GE Aviation has successfully begun testing the first full engine in the Future Affordable Turbine Engine (FATE) programme under a co-operative agreement between GE and the US Army. The engine is designed to meet a series of demanding goals (
www.geaviation.com).
Relative to current engines, these include: a 35% reduction in specific fuel consumption; an 80% improvement in the power-to-weight ratio; a 20% improvement in design life; and a 45% reduction in production and maintenance costs.
The increases in engine capabilities provide a significant contribution to increasing ‘hot and high’ payload and performance, range and endurance for either upgrades to existing aircraft or new rotorcraft.
The first full engine test follows the successful completion of FATE compressor, combustor and turbine ‘rig’ tests in 2015. The FATE compressor rig recorded the highest single-spool compressor pressure ratio in GE Aviation’s history.
The combustor test incorporated extensive use of ceramic matrix composites in the combustor (these materials provide high-temperature capability and weight reduction for better performance). The FATE turbine rig was built using additive-manufacturing techniques for faster construction and lower development costs.
In 2011, GE was awarded the FATE co-operative programme to design a 5,000-10,000shp turbo-shaft engine that demonstrates technologies applicable to existing aircraft and future rotorcraft requirements such as the US Department of Defense’s Future Vertical Lift programme. These technologies can be incorporated into new engines, including the GE3000.