GE Aviation finished running a proof-of-concept engine last year under the U.S. Air Force-backed Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) program, and is now wrapping up analysis of what it termed highly successful tests. These included the highest combined compressor and turbine temperature operation \u201cin the history of jet engine propulsion.\u201d<\/p>\n
GE\u2019s adaptive cycle engine architecture is unique to the aero engine industry, says Daniel McCormick, general manager of advanced combat engine programs at GE Aviation. It is now being applied to the next step \u2013 an engine that could fit an F-35-like aircraft. \u201cThis culminated in March in a preliminary design review,\u201d he says, that involved the Air Force, NASA and Lockheed Martin, among others. This program, dubbed Adaptive Engine Technology Development (AETD), will involve three major rigs run through 2016 for the compressor, a fan with adaptive features, and a core engine test, but not for a full-up engine.<\/p>\n
GE is now helping shape a follow-on program, the Air Force-backed Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP), that would involve multiple full-up engine tests. \u201cIf it proceeds we could run multiple engines through 2018-19,\u201d McCormick said.<\/p>\n
That investment also involves materials including ceramic matrix composites and titanium aluminides, and techniques such as additive manufacturing, to make the engines lighter and more robust while running hotter and providing more power. The military engines are benefitting from GE\u2019s huge investment in such materials and manufacturing readiness for its next generation of commercial engines, which helps keep the costs down for the warfighter, she says.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n\u201cThe sixth-generation fighter engine is a big piece of the future of the business. That\u2019s why we\u2019re investing heavily in it,\u201d says Lydon-Rodgers.<\/p>\n