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Next generation turbo-fan engine for combat aircraft: GE XA100

United states aerospace giant General Aviation has successfully tested a prototype of next generation turbo-fan engine for combat aircraft. The engine named GE XA100 is claimed to have an increase thrust of 10% and an improve fuel efficiency of 25%. This will in turn increase the range of a fighter jet by 35%. 

Image courtesy: General Electric Aviation (GE Aviation) official website
According to General Electric official website, the XA100-GE-100 engine combines three key innovations to deliver a generational change in combat propulsion performance:

  • An adaptive engine cycle that provides both a high-thrust mode for maximum power and a high-efficiency mode for optimum fuel savings and loiter time
  • A third-stream architecture that provides a step-change in thermal management capability, enabling future mission systems for increased combat effectiveness
  • Extensive use of advanced component technologies, including ceramic matrix composites (CMC), polymer matrix composites (PMC), and additive manufacturing
These innovations makes the engine capable of generating 200 kN thrust with after burner which will be suited for F-35 like next generation stealth combat aircraft. It is to be noted that Pratt & Whitney is also working on a engine of same category called XA-101. 


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