GE's Adaptive Cycle Engine

Dramatically transforming tomorrow’s missions

The revolutionary new XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine is the latest in a proud legacy of propulsion innovations from GE .

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Next-generation innovation

Developed under the U.S. Department of Defense’s Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology (ADVENT) and Adaptive Engine Technology Development (AETD) programs, the GE Adaptive Cycle Engine is the only engine that combines outstanding fuel burn with increased, fighter-level thrust, enabling next-generation military combat aircraft to go greater distances and engage more targets.

Unlike traditional engines with fixed airflow, the XA100 is a variable cycle engine that will automatically alternate between a high-thrust mode for maximum power and a high-efficiency mode for optimum fuel savings. And that means a whole new book of operational possibilities for the U.S. Air Force.

Giving pilots what they need, when they need it

Use the slider below to see how GE's Adaptive Cycle Engine can automatically configure airflow based on the pilot's mission scenario.

  • High-Thrust
  • High-Efficiency

  • 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.

  • 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.

Further, faster and with more power than ever before

Tomorrow’s missions will require aircraft to fly greater distances with unprecedented speed and power, and the GE Adaptive Cycle Engine can answer the call.

The Shape of Things to Come

GE is using 3D technology to develop complex components one layer at a time and open the creative canvas for engineers.

Innovative To The Core

By introducing rotating CMC parts into its hardest-working sections, the GE Adaptive Cycle Engine can withstand higher temperatures than ever before.


An Incredible New Standard In Engine Performance

The revolutionary technologies inside the GE Adaptive Cycle Engine will work together to deliver next generation performance benefits.

50% improvement in loiter time to persist longer in areas of interest with reduced risk

35% increase in range so pilots can fly longer in more combat scenarios

25% reduction in fuel consumption for enhanced mission capability

60% heat absorption to accommodate next-generation weapons technology

Adaptive Cycle Engine Models

Adaptive Cycle Engine

Designed for next-generation combat aircraft, the XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine automatically alternates between high-thrust and high-efficiency modes to dramatically transform tomorrow’s missions.

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.