Quora How come the F-35 Lightning II has only one engine, when all other contemporary jets have two engines?

The F-35 Lightning II has only one engine, unlike other contemporary jets that have two engines. The F-35 is a fifth-generation fighter that combines advanced stealth with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations, and advanced sustainment. The F-35's single-engine design is intended to reduce weight and increase fuel efficiency, while still providing the necessary power and performance for air superiority and strike missions.



The F-35's engine, the F135, is a two-shaft engine featuring a three-stage fan and six-stage high-pressure compressor, with a maximum wet thrust of 43,000lbf and a dry thrust of 28,000lbf. The F135 engine was designed to be reliable and easy to maintain, with a directive to reduce maintenance costs and increase engine life. However, some experts have argued that the F-35 needs a new engine to meet future demands and to address issues such as overheating and voltage stops.