By Jon Hemmerdinger2021-03-09T16:02:00+00:00
NASA has launched a research effort aimed at squeezing 5-10% more fuel efficiency out of turbofan cores, with the goal of developing engine technology for future commercial aircraft, possibly including an eventual Boeing 737 replacement.
The agency launched the $191 million effort, called Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core (HyTEC), about one year ago with the goal of developing a “high-power-density” turbofan core.
Such a core could benefit single-aisle aircraft entering service in the “early 2030s”, according to NASA documents.
HyTEC’s other goals include increasing an engine’s bypass ratio to 15% (up from around 12% today) and its pressure ratio to about 50%. In addition, it seeks to demonstrate that 10-20% of a turbofan’s power can be extracted as electricity.