GE completes F414 demonstration
By Guy Norris

General Electric has completed tests of the XTE77/SE2 advanced technology demonstrator engine, which it says validates critical technologies for the F414 Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) aimed at growth versions of platforms including the Korea Aerospace Industries/Lockheed Martin A-50 and Saab Gripen.

The engine was also the last GE-built demonstrator to run under the US government and industry's Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) programme, which began in 1988. Since succeeded by the Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines programme, the effort aimed to more than double turbine engine power-to-weight ratio and reduce specific fuel consumption by 40% over late 1980s-standard engines.

The XTE77/SE2 was used to demonstrate an advanced two-stage, all-blisk (blade and disk) fan and new high-pressure turbine (HPT) design, says GE. "The engine ran to 100% of maximum steady core speed and successfully completed all programme objectives during more than 20h of testing."

In a design similar to its much larger new commercial counterpart, the GEnx, the demonstrator's fan design incorporates three-dimensional-aerodynamic forward-swept aerofoil technology, which GE says provides about 10% higher airflow. The recently completed work builds on rig tests completed in 2005 to verify an advanced, six-stage compressor configuration.

The higher power of the F414 EDE is being offered by GE as a way of either increasing thrust by up to 20% over the current F414-400 engine, or offering "up to three times the life of today's hot section at current thrust levels". Partly funded by the US Navy, the ongoing demonstrator programme also includes research into high-cycle-fatigue reduction technologies, and foreign object damage-tolerant fan and compressor aerofoil designs.

"GE is working with the USN to plan the next phases of testing, which are aimed at further performance and durability improvements through application of next-generation aero and HPT cooling schemes, advanced materials and low-emissions technologies," says the company.

The F414 EDE is likely to compete for future combat aircraft opportunities with the Volvo Aero RM12++ project, as well as potential growth versions of the Eurojet EJ200 and Snecma M88-2. Pratt & Whitney has also studied an IHPTET-derived engine, dubbed the PW7000. This is based on its XTE/XTC-66 demonstrator originally sized as a drop-in replacement for the F414, more than 650 of which have now been delivered for the USN's Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.

F414 Growth Demonstrator Engine Completes Testing
December 12, 2006 -- LYNN, MASS -- The F414-based advanced technology demonstrator engine, XTE77/SE2, has successfully completed a test program that demonstrated an advanced two-stage, all-blisk (blade and disk) fan and new high-pressure turbine (HPT) design. The engine ran to 100% of maximum steady core speed and successfully completed all program objectives during more than 20 hours of testing.

The new fan design incorporates 3D-aerodynamic forward-swept airfoil technology, which provides approximately 10% higher airflow, improved efficiency and reduced parts count compared with current F414 fans. This second phase of testing builds on work completed in 2005 to verify an advanced, six-stage compressor configuration.

"These demonstrations verify critical F414 Enhanced Durability Engine (EDE) technologies that can deliver added mission capability and lower life cycle cost," said Tony Mathis, F404/F414 general manager at GE Aviation.

GE has tested growth versions of the F414 since 2004. Through application of advanced 3D-aero airfoil designs, low-loss structural frames, and the latest hot-section materials and cooling concepts, the F414 EDE offers up to 20% thrust increase over today's F414-400 engine, or up to three times the life of today`'s hot section at current thrust levels. The ongoing demonstrator program also includes research into high-cycle-fatigue reduction technologies, and foreign object damage-tolerant fan and compressor airfoil designs.

Demonstrator testing was funded jointly by GE and the U.S. Navy (USN) under the U.S. Government Integrated High Performance Engine Technology (IHPTET) program, which targets technologies aimed at increasing thrust-to-weight ratios, reducing fuel burn, and reducing cost of sustainment through time-on-wing and durability improvements. GE is working with the USN to plan the next phases of testing, which are aimed at further performance and durability improvements through application of next-generation aero and HPT cooling schemes, advanced materials, and low-emissions technologies.

The F414 is the powerplant for the dual-engine F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. With more than 500,000 flight-hours, the F414 engine continues to exceed USN reliability goals. The F414-powered F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has expanded its presence in the USN fleet, with 19 active squadrons available for carrier deployment. To date, more than 650 F414 engines have been delivered in support of the USN's plan to purchase engines and spares for 552 twin-engine F/A-18E/F and EA-18G aircraft.

The F414 is also a potential powerplant for growth versions of the Saab Gripen, KAI/LMTAS A-50 light fighter (a derivative of the T-50 advanced trainer), and other combat aircraft under development.

GE Aviation, an operating unit of General Electric Company (NYSE: GE), is one of the world's leading manufacturers of jet engines for civil and military aircraft. GE also is a world-leading provider of maintenance and support services for jet engines.

I would eliminate the saw-tooth design altogether if possible. I forgot if that was for better slow speed handling or increased internal fuel capacity.

I'm intersted in Load-out and supersonic and possible load-out while supersonic.

In general, I'd like to see improvements over every spectrum, an increase in reserved energy when needed- 25% increase will do fine.

It's correct that a over-increase will be a liability than an asset. I'm curious to know... "but can you do it!??"

What do you think about my "stealth pods"?