Finally, The U.S. Air Force Tests Sixth-Generation Stealth Fighter Engine Capability

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The GE engine called XA100 uses an adaptive cycle design that provides a high thrust mode for maximum power in a high efficiency mode for fuel savings and loiter time. NGAD is a family of systems currently in development by USAF and industry partners. At the center of this program is a sixth generation fighter to replace the F-22 commonly referred to as FX. Last september it was revealed that the fighter had been designed, developed and tested in the space of a year and flown. More recently concept art of the new combat jet appeared in a usaf biannual report on acquisition. 

GE initiated testing of the engine at its evondale ohio altitude test facility in december last year. The engine's performance and mechanical behavior were consistent with pre-test predictions and fully aligned with USAF adaptive engine transition program, AETP objectives. GE says this successful test validates the ability of the engine to deliver transformational propulsion capability to fighter aircraft. We were exceptionally pleased with how the engine performed throughout the test.

Said David tweedy GE Edison works general manager for advanced combat engines, bringing a new centerline fighter engine to test for the first time as a challenging endeavor and this success is a testament to the great team that worked so hard to get us here. We're looking forward to working with the air force and other stakeholders to identify the next steps toward bringing this revolutionary capability out of the test cell and into the hands of the warfighter.

Key innovations of the XA100 GE100 engine, an adaptive engine cycle that provides both a high thrust mode for maximum power in a high efficiency mode for optimum fuel savings and loiter time, a third stream architecture that provides a step change in thermal management capability. Enabling future mission systems for increased combat effectiveness. Extensive use of advanced component technologies including ceramic matrix composites, CMC polymer matrix composites, PMC and additive manufacturing.

These innovations increase thrust 10 percent, improve fuel efficiency by 25 percent and provide significantly more aircraft heat dissipation capacity, all within the same physical envelope as current propulsion systems. 

Assembly of ge second prototype XA100 engine is well underway with testing on that engine expected to begin later in 2021. Once complete that will conclude the major deliverables of the AETP program. The XA100 is a product of GE Edison works a business unit dedicated to the research development and production of advanced military solutions. This business unit has full responsibility for strategy, innovation and execution of advanced programs.