A new era of combat propulsion
As we enter a new phase of near-peer competition, more capability is needed from the engines that power our military’s aircraft. GE is ready to answer that need with the XA100 engine. Designed, built and tested with the U.S. Air Force, XA100 is the world’s first flight-weight three stream adaptive engine. The XA100 engine represents the next generation of propulsion for the F-35.
News and downloads
News
- GE Adaptive Combat Engine Moves To AEDC For New Test Phase - Aviation Week
- GE successfully concludes phase 1 testing on second XA100 adaptive cycle engine - GE Press Release
- Re-Engining the F-35: How GE’s AETP Could Boost Speed, Payload, and Range - Air Force Magazine
- F-35 Engine Rivals Prepare for Another Clash - Breaking Defense
- New testing begins on new GE/Air Force ‘adaptive’ engine - Dayton Daily News
- GE initiates testing on second XA100 adaptive cycle engine - GE Press Release
- Get Ready for the Next Generation of High-Performance Propulsion - Air Force Magazine
- GE’s New Fighter Engine Just Blew Away Existing Jet Technology - Sandboxx News
- Higher Thrust, Smooth Mode Transitions In Tests Of GE Adaptive XA100 - Aviation Week
- Testing on GE’s First XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine Concludes, Proves Out Transformational Capabilities - GE Press Release
The time is now
The U.S. has long held an edge in advanced combat propulsion. To maintain this edge, we must act now to introduce revolutionary engine capability into our most advanced fighters. Backed by 14 years of development, GE’s XA100 is positioned to deliver game-changing performance to the F-35.
Giving pilots what they need, when they need it
Use the slider below to see how GE's XA100 can automatically configure airflow based on the pilot's mission scenario.
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High-thrust mode
Directs the majority of air through the engine's core and fan streams, delivering greater thrust during combat engagements and helping pilots execute their missions effectively.
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High-efficiency mode
Directs air through the engine's third stream to dramatically reduce fuel consumption, provide greater range and allow pilots to persist longer in areas of interest with reduced risk.
Creating new operational possibilities
The XA100 enables a generational leap in propulsion capability without the tradeoffs associated with traditional engine architectures.
Adaptive engine
This adaptive cycle engine provides a high thrust mode for maximum power and high efficiency mode to extend mission range. Automatically transitioning between these modes dramatically transforms mission capability and enables unrestricted operations.
>10%more thrust
Third stream advantage
This advanced architecture provides an extra source of cooled air to improve both propulsive efficiency and fuel efficiency. Most importantly, it enables a step-change in thermal management capability to accommodate next-generation mission systems and provide higher thrust in and out of supersonic flight.
2Xthermal management capability
Advanced materials and components
Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) can withstand temperatures hundreds of degrees higher while being lighter weight and more durable than traditional materials. The use of additive manufacturing has reduced the engine’s weight and part count, and improves sustainment costs.
25%more fuel efficiency
Fuel savings
Three-stream, adaptive architecture enables lower fuel spend and reduces tanker reliance
25% betterfuel consumption
Environmental benefits
Reducing CO2 emissions over F-35 life cycle
Can operate on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
More thrust
To give fighter pilots more of what they need, when they need it
10%+ more
Better heat absorption
Enabled through 3D printed heat exchangers
2X better
Lighter and more durable
Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are 1/3 the weight of traditional metal parts
Can withstand 500°F more heat
30% increase in range
So pilots can fly farther in more combat scenarios
Faster acceleration
To allow pilots more nimble tactics and aggressive pursuit
20-40% faster
Next-generation mission systems
As new missions systems are introduced, this engine’s third stream will provide significant improvements in thermal management
2X more
The XA100 is a product of GE Edison Works, an independent business unit dedicated to the research, development, and production of advanced military solutions. This business unit has full responsibility for strategy, innovation, and execution of advanced programs.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.
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