AFRL Achieves First in Advanced Engine Technology

  • Published
  • By Holly Jordan, AFRL/RQ
  • Aerospace Systems
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The Air Force Research Laboratory reached an important milestone with the successful demonstration of the ADVENT (Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology) engine core. The demonstration by AFRL, in conjunction with GE Aviation, marked the highest combination of compressor and turbine temperatures ever achieved in the aviation industry.

The demonstration took place at the GE facilities in Evendale, Ohio. The four-month, 60-hour test achieved all major objectives while demonstrating key core technologies such as lightweight, heat-resistant ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials, cooled cooling air and advanced compressor aerodynamics. These technologies will be combined with an adaptive fan into the ADVENT demonstrator engine scheduled to test later this year.

The ADVENT engine core and engine are demonstrating technologies that will enable a new class of engines capable of operating effectively and efficiently over a wide range of flight conditions, from subsonic to supersonic speeds.

Through the incorporation of an adaptive fan and third air stream, the ADVENT engine design is capable of providing thermal management superior to that of traditional engines. Adaptive engine technologies enable a 25 percent fuel efficiency improvement and a 30 percent increase in operating range for advanced next-generation, multi-mission aircraft.

This demonstration proves the viability of core technologies key to advancing the adaptive turbine engine concept. The Adaptive Engine Technology Development (AETD) program will build off these and other demonstrations to mature these technologies in preparation for eventual low-risk transition into combat aircraft in the 2020 timeframe. The results of this demonstration, as well as the full engine test, will enable GE to develop a robust, acquisition program-level preliminary design of an adaptive engine, a key deliverable of the AETD program and the foundation for affordable transition of future high performance, fuel-efficient propulsion to combat aircraft.