Pratt & Whitney won a 1970 U.S. Air Force competition to design the engine for the service's next generation fighter, the F-15 Eagle. The F100-PW-100 first flew in July 1972 and entered service with the F-15A and B aircraft in 1974. After a brief period of development problems, Pratt & Whitney and the Air Force turned the program into one known for performance, reliability and safety. The F100-PW-100 produces about eight pounds of thrust for every pound of its weight, a very important characteristic for high-performance military aircraft that require fast acceleration and great maneuverability.

Continuous improvement of the F100 resulted in the later 200 series engines, which include technology upgrades from the later F119 and F135 engine programs. The F100 series also powers the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Vigorous export sales and overseas licensed production have ensured that F100 engines powering both F-15s and F-16s across the world have accumulated more than 16 million flight hours.

 Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Date Circa 1973 Country of Origin United States of America Type PROPULSION-Turbines (Jet) Manufacturer Pratt & Whitney
 Physical Description Type: Turbofan, afterburner Thrust: 105,996 N (23,830 lb) Fan: Bypass ratio 0.36:1, 3-stage Compressor: 10-stage high pressure axial Combustor: Single chamber Turbine: 2-stage high pressure axial, 2-stage low pressure axial Weight: 1,377 kg (3,035 lb) Dimensions Length 486 cm (191 in.), Diameter 118 cm (46.5 in.)
 Materials Steel, Stainless Steel, Rubber, Inconel, Aluminum, Plastic, Titanium
 Inventory Number A19900276000 Credit Line Transferred from the U.S. Air Force, Kelly AFB, Texas Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.