First homegrown F-35A engine removal

The first removal of an F-35A engine by a Royal Australian Air Force unit happened on Thursday 13 February 2020.

CAPTION: A Pratt and Whitney F135 Engine being removed from A35-017 at RAAF Base Williamtown. Photo by Corporal Craig Barrett.

MORE F-35 STORIES: HERE

Technical maintenance crews from Number 3 Squadron, Number 2 Operational Conversion Unit, Bae Systems Australia, Lockheed Martin and Marand completed the task ‘by the book’, at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW.

A Defence spokesman said the mix of personnel on the job was in recognition of the important opportunity to maximise the training opportunities arising and deepening Defence-industry collaboration.

The Pratt & Whitney F135 is the world’s most advanced fighter engine, delivering more than 40,000lbs of thrust and unmatched advances in safety, design, performance, and reliability.

F135 evolved from the proven F119 engine, which exclusively powers the US Air Force’s F-22 Raptor, and features best-in-class single-engine reliability and advanced prognostics and health management systems.

Defence didn’t say why the engine was removed from the aircraft.

Australian company Marand is the global supplier of the F-35 Engine Removal and Installation (R&I) Mobility Trailers. To date and for the foreseeable future, all Pratt & Whitney F135 engines that are installed or removed from F35 aircraft anywhere in the world will be removed or installed using the Australian designed and built Marand R&I Trailer.

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