The F-35 Lightning II stands out as one of the most advanced fighter jets globally, capable of executing a variety of missions. What makes it particularly unique is its reliance on a single engine, the Pratt & Whitney F135 afterburning turbofan, which is unusual for a fighter jet of its size. While smaller jets like the F-16 also have a single engine, larger multirole fighters such as the F-22 Raptor and Eurofighter Typhoon typically feature two engines. Interestingly, China’s next-gen J-36, expected to debut in late 2024, is rumored to have three engines. Despite its single-engine design, the F-35 remains the most produced fighter jet in the U.S., with Lockheed Martin planning to deliver a record number of units in 2025, including exports.
In May 2025, President Trump stirred the pot by suggesting a hypothetical “F-55” with two engines, expressing his preference for multi-engine aircraft. His comments surprised many, as redesigning the F-35 to accommodate two engines would require a complete overhaul. Former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall confirmed that such a redesign was never considered. For now, the F-35 will continue to rely on its single-engine setup, which, despite some crashes, doesn’t have a higher incident rate than other high-profile aircraft.
The Pratt & Whitney F135 engine is the powerhouse behind the F-35 family, including the F-35A, F-35B, and F-35C models. The F-35B’s STOVL operations are supported by Rolls-Royce’s LiftSystem. The F135 was chosen over the General Electric/Rolls-Royce F136 and has been in production since 2009, evolving from the F119 engine used in the twin-engine F-22 Raptor. This engine’s success underscores its critical role in maintaining the F-35’s status as a leading fighter jet.
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Originally reported by Simple Flying Read More
