Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has successfully completed the first engine start and ground run of its F135 engine in Italy’s first F-35A aircraft, AL-1, at the F-35 Final Assembly Check-Out (FACO) facility in Cameri, Italy.

The F135 engine test was supported by the joint team of P&W, Lockheed Martin, Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi, and the Italian Ministry of Defense (MOD).

P&W was contracted to deliver ready-to-install engines to Alenia Aermacchi for the AL-1.

F135 Propulsion System Field Service Site lead Toby Varghese said: "Supporting the first F135 engine start in AL-1 in Italy was an amazing opportunity and privilege, especially on the Italian Independence Day.

"The F135 engine test was supported by the joint team of P&W, Lockheed Martin, Finmeccanica-Alenia Aermacchi, and the Italian Ministry of Defense (MOD)."

"I am looking forward to Pratt & Whitney’s continued support through AL-1 first flight in 2015."

The Cameri FACO is owned by the Italian Defence Ministry, and jointly operated by Lockheed and Alenia Aermacchi. It is scheduled to manufacture all Italian F-35A and F-35B aircraft.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Italy, which is the third largest partner to the joint strike fighter (JSF) programme, is planning to purchase F-35s to replace its air force and navy AV-8 Harriers, Panavia Tornados and AMX fighters.

Started production in July 2013, the Cameri FACO rolled out Italy’s first F-35A aircraft, AL-1, in March this year. The first flight of the aircraft is scheduled later in the year.

The F-35 is a fifth-generation multi-role fighter aircraft, and is designed to conduct a wide range of ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defence missions with stealth capability.


Image: Pratt & Whitney has delivered 228 F135 engines so far, including both system design and development and production engines. Photo: courtesy of United Technologies Corporation – Pratt & Whitney Division.