ECU is the only F-35 propulsion modernization solution that maintains variant commonality, a foundational element of the F-35 program’s design to drive economies of scale and reduce cost. As such, the F135 ECU leverages the existing production and sustainment infrastructure, and maintains the current cost share ratios with the Services and Partners. Additionally, F135 ECU is production cost neutral, retaining the sizable affordability investments that have been made to date.

All told, F135 ECU saves the taxpayer approximately $40 billion in lifecycle costs over the life of the program, making it by far the most cost-effective modernization available for the F-35 enterprise. Those are substantial savings that can be put to use for other modernization priorities across the Department of Defense.

ECU upgrades an engine that is combat-tested and serving the warfighter now, powering missions for more than a dozen customers around the world. As a derivative design, ECU builds upon a proven architecture that has more than one million flight hours of safe and dependable operation between the F135 and the F119, which powers the F-22 Raptor.

Weight neutral with a limited design scope and no air vehicle modifications required, the F135 ECU is the only true drop-in, low risk solution for the F-35.

ECU’s variant commonality strengthens the combat capability and capacity of key allies who serve as a vital pillar in U.S. national security and defense strategies at a time when geopolitical instability across the globe is increasing.

The F135 ECU enables critical Block 4 capability for all F-35 operators, while maintaining the international partnership and alliance approach of the program -- preserving the ability to share cost and logistics over a broad enterprise to ensure F-35 interoperability and sustainability across multiple variants and users.

As a derivative upgrade to the F135, ECU has the fastest schedule to field meaningful capability for the warfighter. Designed from the onset to be integrated into production and/or retrofit during engine overhaul, ECU leverages a production line operating at full rate, an established sustainment network and a mature supply chain. This means greater quantities of upgraded F135s and fully enabled Block 4 F-35 aircraft, sooner.

F135 ECU leverages the Department of Defense’s investment in adaptive technology to meet the needs of Block 4 and beyond, delivering performance improvements in range, thrust, and thermal management capacity for all variants as well as powered lift for the F-35B variant. 

ECU supports the Department of Defense’s sustainability efforts, reducing CO2 emissions by millions of tons, saving billions in fuel costs and will be ready for sustainable fuels – just as the F135 is today.