GE moves closer to assembling futuristic fighter engine for US Air Force program

GE Aerospace is preparing to assemble the first test unit of the XA102 adaptive engine under the US Air Force's NGAP program: component procurement and unit tests are underway. The engine is GE's first designed and assembled using a digital model (MBD) instead of blueprints; the project builds on XA100 experience and competes with Pratt & Whitney's XA103.

• XA102 is GE's first engine using MBD digital model from design to assembly
• Component procurement and individual unit tests are underway before first unit assembly
• Project builds on XA100 program data on thermal management and fuel efficiency
• Competitor is Pratt & Whitney's XA103 engine under NGAP