Pratt & Whitney F100: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

The F100 is an afterburning turbofan manufactured by Pratt & Whitney.

Pratt & Whitney was awarded a development contract in 1970 for the a next generation fighter, what became the F-15 Eagle. Due to the advanced nature of engine and aircraft numerous problems were encountered in its early days of service including high wear, stalling and "hard" afterburner starts. These "hard" starts could be caused by failure of the afterburner to start or by extinguishing after start, in either case the large jets of jet fuel were lit by the engine exhaust resulting in hugh pressure waves causing the engine to stall.

While early problems have been solved the engine still has a reputation of being "temperamental."

The F-16 Fighting Falcon entered service with the F100. Seeking a way to drive unit costs down the USAF implemented the Alternative Fighter Engine (AFE) program in 1984, under which the engine contract would be awarded through competition. The F-16C/D Block 30/32s were the first to be built with the common engine bay, able to accept the existing engine or the General Electric F110.

The GE F110 provides 5,000 lbf (22 kN) more thrust than the P&W F100 and requires more air, which lead to the increase in the area of the F-16's engine intake. Initial orders were for the F110-GE-100 rated at 28,000 lbf (125 kN). From 1992 the F110-GE-129 was offered, delivering 29,000 lbf (129 kN) thrust. Since entering service on the F-16, the F110 has won approximately 80% of the engine orders from F-16 customers