Royal Australian Air Force Acquires F135 Engine Maintenance Trainer

Royal Australian Air Force Acquires F135 Engine Maintenance Trainer

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has become the first country outside the United States to receive an F135 Engine Maintenance and Borescope Trainer, alongside a First Stage Blade Blend Trainer. These sophisticated training devices were delivered to the RAAF’s Integrated Training Centre (ITC) at RAAF Base Williamtown and are designed to significantly enhance the technical skills of aviation technicians responsible for maintaining the F-35A Lightning II fleet.

Enhancing Technical Proficiency with Realistic Training

Corporal Daniel Jackson, an ITC instructor and aviation technician with seven years of experience working on the F-35A, emphasized the realism of the new equipment. He noted that the trainer closely replicates the actual F135 engine, with many components made from genuine materials. Although the internal parts are mock-ups, they are crafted with exceptional detail, including airbrushed wear patterns that mirror those found on operational engines. This level of authenticity allows technicians to engage in practical maintenance tasks such as module splits, borescope inspections of the turbine, and fault diagnosis using pre-damaged components.

A particularly critical skill now available for hands-on practice is the repair of damaged fan blades. Jackson explained the process of blending the blades with files to restore their aerofoil design, highlighting the challenges posed by working with titanium. He stressed the importance of this training, noting that exceeding material limits during repair could render a blade unserviceable. The trainer thus provides technicians with the confidence and competence required for real-world maintenance.

Advancing Maintenance Training and Strategic Implications

Prior to the arrival of these trainers, RAAF aviation technicians primarily relied on classroom instruction and simulators before progressing to maintenance on actual aircraft. The introduction of these devices has enabled the development of specialized courses, including an F135 engine specialist course, a borescope course, and a first-stage blade blend course. These initiatives are expected to strengthen the RAAF’s overall maintenance capabilities as the F-35A fleet enters full operational service.

The acquisition of these trainers occurs amid heightened scrutiny of global defense supply chains. Recent production adjustments for platforms such as the B-21 bomber have underscored potential vulnerabilities. The F135 engine, manufactured by Pratt & Whitney, is a critical component of the F-35 program, and any disruption in its supply chain could have far-reaching consequences for operators worldwide. Furthermore, intense market competition persists, with manufacturers like Saab promoting their Gripen fighter as an alternative amid uncertainties surrounding the F-35 program. Changes in procurement strategies by various nations may influence future sales and operational decisions, potentially affecting both F-35 and Gripen orders.

The RAAF confirmed that this delivery represents the final major maintenance training device acquisition under the AIR6000 PH2A/B project, which manages the F-35A procurement. The service received its ninth and final F-35A aircraft on December 19, 2025, completing its initial fleet and underscoring the critical role of advanced maintenance training as the aircraft transition to full operational capability.