Engines
Pratt & Whitney, JPO Contest Critical F-35 Engine Reports
The U.S. Department of Defense IG and Government Accountability Office were sharply critical of the F135 engine program.
A Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan, the engine used in the F-35 Lightning II, is mounted on a test stand. (Photo: Pratt & Whitney)
A Pratt & Whitney F135 turbofan, the engine used in the F-35 Lightning II, is mounted on a test stand. (Photo: Pratt & Whitney)

The F135 engine program for the F-35 Lightning II fighter has come under sharp criticism from two U.S. government entities over quality control and reliability issues. Engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney and the Pentagon's F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) challenged some of the findings and defended the program.