EVENDALE, OHIO - GE Aircraft Engines' (GEAE) F404 engine, one of the world's most widely used to power fighter aircraft, has been selected for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)/U.S. Air Force X-45B Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) currently under development by The Boeing Company.
Boeing Phantom Works, the company's advanced research and development element, is integrating the F404 into the single-engine X-45B design. That aircraft is scheduled to fly during 2005. GEAE will provide three F404 engines for the flight test program.
The UCAV advanced technology demonstration system is being developed by Boeing under a $191 million program awarded in 1999 by DARPA and the U.S. Air Force. The program is designed to prove the technical feasibility and capability of multiple UCAV missions that are intended to augment manned fighter missions.
"We are gratified by Boeing's confidence in our engine for this exciting program," said Russ Sparks, vice president and general manager of GEAE Military Engine Operations. "The X-45B is another outstanding platform for the F404, which has a history of industry-leading performance and reliability."
With more than 3,700 delivered, the F404 family powers aircraft of several military services, including the USAF's F-117 Stealth Fighter and the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marines, and for several governments worldwide. For the UCAV program, Boeing selected the F404-102D, a new engine variant with specific single-engine application reliability and redundancy features. Low observable technology will also be incorporated into the F404-102D for the UCAV program.
GEAE, a division of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE) is the world's leading manufacturer of jet engines for military and civil aircraft, including engines produced by CFM International, a 50/50 joint company of Snecma Moteurs of France and GE. GEAE also manufactures gas turbines, derived from its highly successful jet engine programs, for marine and industrial applications. In addition, GEAE provides comprehensive maintenance support, through its GE Engine Services operation, for GE and non-GE jet engines in service throughout the world. Visit GEAE online at www.geae.com.