Gastops validates ChipCHECK
10/09/2026
Gastops Ltd, a global provider of intelligent condition monitoring solutions for aerospace and defence applications, has announced the successful validation of its next-generation debris analysis technology, ChipCHECK, for use in conjunction with Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, on the Pratt & Whitney F135 engine, the engine that powers the Lockheed Martin F‑35 Lightning II.
This milestone is the culmination of Gastops’ previously announced joint agreement under Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy, supported by an investment from RTX. The investment enabled a comprehensive ChipCHECK validation programme, which will deliver faster diagnostics, reduced turnaround time and maintenance optimisation to the F-35/F135 user community.
ChipCHECK enables rapid, on‑site metallic debris analysis using advanced laser‑based technology, eliminating the reliance on centralised laboratory analysis and enabling faster, data‑driven operational decisions.
The F135 validation has concluded and ChipCHECK is available for use in the global F-35 fleet, in addition to the previously approved applications, including the GTF commercial engine family, the PW2000, the PW4000 family, the IAE V2500 and the Engine Alliance GP7000.
“The F135 team prioritises availability and reliability, resulting in a strong readiness track record across its combat-ready fleet of over 1400 engines,” said Chris Johnson, Vice President of the F135 programme at Pratt & Whitney. “The use of advanced diagnostic technologies such as ChipCHECK as a supplemental tool will help accelerate F135 maintenance and operational decision-making at the speed of relevance to ensure high mission capability rates continue even as global operational demands increase.”
The programme also highlights the role of Canadian innovation within the global F-35 enterprise and demonstrates how ITB‑supported investments can deliver tangible operational benefits to both commercial and military customers.
