Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engine has been cleared for flight esting in the F-35B Joint Strike Fighter. Approval follows a review of design changes made to eliminate vibration that caused turbine blade failures in ground tests. The first redesigned engine was delivered to Lockheed Martin last week for installation in aircraft BF-1, the first short takeoff and vertical landing F-35B. Testing is expected to begin at Fort Worth, Texas, this month. The first vertical landing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Md., is expected in June or July. (Source: Aviation Week, 02/03/09) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., will be the F-35 pilot training center
