CINCINNATI – February 19, 2025 – – GE Aerospace announced today the successful completion of the Detailed Design Review (DDR) for its XA102 adaptive cycle engine, a critical milestone in support of the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program. This accomplishment marks a significant step toward delivering revolutionary propulsion technology for the Air Force’s future fleet.
The XA102 is the first engine in GE Aerospace’s history to be developed using model-based systems engineering (MBSE), representing a transformative shift in how advanced propulsion systems are designed and tested. The design review was presented to the U.S. Air Force, showcasing the comprehensive digital engine model and validating its readiness for the next phase of development.
“GE Aerospace is making great strides with model-based engineering, which has been instrumental in the success of the XA102 engine design,” said Dr. Steve “Doogie” Russell, vice president and general manager of Edison Works at GE Aerospace. “As we transition into the procurement and build phase, we will continue to incorporate this innovative approach while working closely with our supply chain partners to advance the engine toward a full-scale demonstration.”
With the DDR now complete, GE Aerospace has been awarded the next contract phase to procure, assemble and test a XA102 full scale demonstrator engine. Adaptive cycle engines are critical to ensure U.S. combat aircraft maintain their superiority by providing greater range and significantly more thermal management capability compared to today’s most advanced combat engine.
The NGAP Program is advancing technologies and manufacturing capabilities crucial for air superiority in the highly contested combat environments of the future. These technologies will enable next generation fighter aircraft with improved range, survivability and thermal management capabilities for advanced weapons and sensors. GE Aerospace’s leadership in adaptive cycle technology builds on more than 100 years of innovation and partnership with the U.S. military. The XA100 engines completed multiple successful rounds of testing, maturing adaptive engine technologies. The XA102 engine represents the next evolution of propulsion, delivering enhanced capability while maintaining a focus on affordability and sustainability.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 45,000 commercial and 25,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 53,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com.
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