According to GE Aviation, it’s adaptive cycle, three-stream engine is able to alternate between operating as a high-bypass, fuel-efficient engine or as a low-bypass, high-performance engine needed for fighter jets. The adaptive feature is combined with an additional source of air, called a 'third stream of cooled air,' that can be used to increase thrust, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce the aircraft heat load.

GE Aviation, Pratt & Whitney Win $1B R&D Contracts from USAF

July 7, 2016

The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center granted $1-billion contracts to GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney, to develop a three-stream adaptive cycle jet engine. The project, organized under the USAF’s Adaptive Engine Transition Program is schedule to run five years, through 2021, and will include testing of component parts, rig testing, and engine testing.

Robert Brooks

The U.S. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center at Wright Patterson AFB in Ohio granted a $1-billion contract to GE Aviation, (General Electric Corp. IW500/6) to proceed with the development of its three-stream adaptive cycle engine. The project, organized under the USAF’s Adaptive Engine Transition Program is schedule to run five years, through 2021, and will include testing of component parts, rig testing, and engine testing.

GE Aviation Building Advanced Ceramic Materials Plants

USAF Taps GE to Develop New Jet Engines

Pratt & Whitney was awarded a comparable new contract, and will design, build, and test adaptive engines in the 45,000-lb thrust-class, as part of its effort to advance of military fighter engine technology.

The USAF’s Adaptive Engine Transition Program is focused on developing three-stream architecture and other advanced propulsion technologies for high-speed and long-endurance performance requirements.

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