GE Aviation Concludes Testing F-35 Adaptive Cycle Engine Prototype

GE Aviation's XA100 adaptive cycle engine is ready to progress from prototype into development following testing with the U.S. Air Force, the manufacturer said.

Kimberly Johnson

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 at 04:28 PM ET

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GE’s XA100 and Pratt & Whitney's XA10 are under consideration as a potential powerplant upgrade for Lockheed Martin’s F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. [Courtesy: U.S. Air Force]

Key Takeaways:

GE Aviation's XA100 adaptive cycle engine successfully completed U.S. Air Force testing and is ready for engineering and manufacturing development.
The XA100 is a candidate under the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) to upgrade the F-35, promising benefits like 30% more range, 20% faster acceleration, and dual-mode (thrust/efficiency) operation.
A final decision on the F-35 engine upgrade is expected by fiscal year 2024, with Air Force officials emphasizing the critical need for a new engine to prevent stagnation in propulsion technology and address current sustainment issues.

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GE Aviation’s (NYSE: GE) XA100 adaptive cycle engine is ready to progress from prototype into development following testing with the U.S. Air Force, according to the manufacturer.

The XA100, along with Pratt & Whitney’s XA10, are two engines the Air Force’s Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) is considering as a potential powerplant upgrade for the Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter.