A new engine that will be used in F-35 and the US Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) programme has completed testing. The GE engine, called XA 100, uses an adaptive cycle design that provides a high-thrust mode for maximum power and a high-efficiency mode for fuel savings and loiter time.
NGAD is a family of systems currently developed by USAF and its industry partners. The centre of this programme is to replace the F-22 with a sixth-generation fighter. More recently, the concept art of the new combat jet appeared in USAF biannual report acquisition.
GE started testing the engine at its Evendale, Ohio, altitude test facility in December last year. The performance of the engine and its mechanical behaviour was consistent with pre-test predictions and completely aligned with USAF’s 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 are exceptionally pleased with how the engine performed throughout the test,” said David Tweedle, GE Edison Works’ general manager for advanced combat engines.
