GE initiates testing on second XA100 "adaptive cycle" fighter jet engine

In summary, GE and the U.S. Air Force have been working together to develop an adaptive cycle engine through the Adaptive Engine Transition Program. GE has recently begun testing on their second prototype engine, which is the final planned one for the program. This engine is expected to provide significant improvements in thrust, fuel efficiency, and heat dissipation, and is also compatible with biofuels. However, this news comes on the same day that GE announced its split into three separate businesses - aviation, healthcare, and energy. This marks a significant change from when GE was considered one of the top companies in the Fortune 500 list, along with General Motors, Exxon, Ford, and Mobil. The current list looks very different, with companies like Walmart,
  • #1
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This is pretty interesting. It sounds like GE and the Air Force have been able to make some good improvements recently:

https://www.ge.com/news/press-relea...&rc_uuid=b1b7f61c-f288-43e1-9587-9f37962fd22a
EVENDALE, Ohio – GE has initiated testing on its second XA100 adaptive cycle engine as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP). Testing began on August 26, 2021, at GE’s Evendale, Ohio, altitude test facility. This is GE’s final planned prototype engine as part of AETP.

Full-scale prototype engine testing in the AETP program is the capstone of a multi-year technology maturation and risk reduction effort to bring an adaptive cycle engine to full maturity in close partnership with the U.S. Air Force. GE’s first XA100 engine tests began in December 2020, marking the world’s first ever run of a flight-weight three-stream adaptive cycle engine. Tests successfully validated the engine’s ability to deliver transformational propulsion capability to current and future fighter aircraft. Engine prototypes assembled as part of AETP are designed to fit and integrate directly into the F-35.

These revolutionary innovations increase thrust 10%, improve fuel efficiency by 25%, and provide significantly more aircraft heat dissipation capacity, all within the same physical envelope as current propulsion systems. The XA100’s improved fuel efficiency provides significant reduction in carbon emissions. The engine will also operate on any U.S. Air Force-approved biofuels.

More info: https://www.geaviation.com/military...XA100&utm_medium=Inpowered&utm_content=Native
 
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  • #2
That's kind of sad on the day when GE announced that it is splitting into 3 pieces. The aviation part will retain the GE name.
 
  • #3
It doesn't seem like sad news, does it? What were the other two spinoffs, Medical and something else?

EDIT -- Found it: Aviation, Healthcare and Energy businesses
 
  • #4
That's kind of sad on the day when GE announced that it is splitting into 3 pieces. The aviation part will retain the name GE.

When I joined GE in 65, we thought the 5 top of the Fortune 500 companies were eternal.
  1. General Motors
  2. Exxon
  3. Ford
  4. GE
  5. Mobil
Far from it. The 2021 list looks far different.

  1. Walmart
  2. Amazon
  3. Apple
  4. CVS
  5. United Health Care
 
  • #5
So you now understand financial services thanks to Jack Welch?
 

1. What is the purpose of the "adaptive cycle" fighter jet engine?

The "adaptive cycle" fighter jet engine, also known as the XA100, is designed to provide increased efficiency and performance for military aircraft. It utilizes advanced technologies to optimize fuel usage and adapt to various flight conditions, resulting in improved range, speed, and maneuverability.

2. How is GE testing the second XA100 engine?

GE is conducting a series of ground and flight tests on the second XA100 engine to evaluate its performance and validate its capabilities. This includes testing for durability, thrust, and fuel efficiency in various simulated flight scenarios.

3. What makes the XA100 different from other fighter jet engines?

The XA100 utilizes an innovative "adaptive cycle" design that allows it to switch between two different modes of operation depending on the flight conditions. This allows for optimal performance and efficiency in both subsonic and supersonic flight, unlike traditional fighter jet engines that are optimized for one or the other.

4. When will the XA100 engine be ready for use in military aircraft?

GE has not yet announced a specific timeline for when the XA100 engine will be ready for use in military aircraft. The testing phase is crucial in ensuring the engine meets all performance and safety requirements before it can be integrated into operational aircraft.

5. What impact will the XA100 engine have on military aviation?

The XA100 engine has the potential to significantly enhance military aviation capabilities. Its improved performance and efficiency will allow for longer flight times, faster speeds, and better maneuverability, giving pilots a decisive advantage in combat situations. It may also lead to cost savings for the military due to its optimized fuel usage.

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