By Garrett Reim2021-05-13T22:44:00+01:00
GE Aviation has wrapped up testing on its first XA100 prototype, an adaptive cycle engine.
An adaptive cycle engine is a novel turbine that can change air flow through three different air streams, depending on an aircraft’s need for efficiency or extra power. The US Air Force (USAF) has been funding development of the engine type since 2007.
Source: GE Aviation
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Testing on the XA100 started in December 2020. The prototype showed performance and mechanical behaviour were consistent with pre-test predictions, says GE Aviation on 13 May. The engine met the USAF Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) objectives, the company says.