JSF Vertical Lift System Wins Collier

The National Aeronautic Association has named as winner of the prestigious Collier Trophy the integrated lift fan propulsion system (ILFPS) that makes possible the short takeoff/vertical landing (STOVL) variant of the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter (JSF). The STOVL JSF, which will be flown by the United States Marines, is one of a number of variants of the jet that will serve as the main line fighter for the U.S. Armed Forces.

ILFPS was developed for the JSF's Pratt & Whitney F119 turbofan, which also powers the Air Force's F-22 fighter. The 28,000-pound-thrust lift fan system features a counter-rotating lift fan behind the cockpit, a swivel nozzle at the rear of the aircraft and two roll posts in the wings. The system allows the JSF to conduct a short takeoff, accelerate to supersonic level flight and then return for a vertical landing. It's the only aircraft in the world capable of such a feat.

The Collier will be presented on May 29th in Arlington, Virginia, to all of the members of the ILFPS team, prime contractor Lockheed Martin, engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, Northrop Grumman, ILFPS developer Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and the Joint Strike Fighter Office.