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.
