EVENDALE, OHIO -- GE Aviation has been selected to develop technology for the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) program for the United States Air Force. Value of the contract, announced by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), is for $231 million and will be conducted over two phases through fiscal year 2012.
Development work will be conducted in Evendale, Ohio.
"We are thrilled to be selected for this program," said Russ Sparks, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Military Systems Operation. "The contract is well-aligned with our product plans and will provide Technology Readiness 6 demonstration of technologies critical for a comprehensive range of next-generation aircraft and missions."
Phase I of the effort, which will run through fiscal year 2009, will include preliminary and detail engine design as well as risk reduction testing. The second phase will focus on design execution, hardware manufacture, and testing of core and fan engines.
The ADVENT program will lead to a full demonstration of several variable cycle technologies, which will provide a range of capability enhancements for a wide spectrum of both subsonic and supersonic mission types. Benefits include an estimated 30-80% improvement in range/fuel burn for subsonic applications as well as reduced signature, higher thrust-to-weight, and increased power extraction capability at all thrust levels.
The variable cycle engine changes the path of engine and bypass airflow to alternate between turbojet and turbofan operation, depending on the phase of the mission. GE's approach is predicated on 40 years of experience, including the YF120 engine in the late 1980s.
GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is a world-leading provider of commercial and military jet engines and components as well as integrated digital, electric power, and mechanical systems for aircraft. GE Aviation also has a global service network to support these offerings.