Single Engine Safety Derived from a Proven Fifth Generation Fighter

Developing an all new alternate engine will not enhance safety because it will introduce unneeded complexity and dilute the overall maturity of the engine fleet, double the number of field issues, and complicate and increase the cost of the support system by requiring dual maintenance systems. An alternate engine will also raise the cost of developing and incorporating improvements and modifications that address safety.

The main factor determining safety and reliability is engine maturity. The F135 is a derivative of the F119 engine, now operational on the twin engine F-22 aircraft. The proven record of the F119 – which includes more than 100,000 hours of flight – offers the military a significant advantage with respect to single engine safety, as opposed to the alternate engine, which is a new, unproven engine configuration.