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Future Affordable Turbine Engine

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Future Affordable Turbine Engine
Type turboshaft/turboprop
Manufacturer GE Aviation
Major applications US Army Future Vertical Lift

The Future Affordable Turbine Engine (FATE) is a US Army program for a 5,000-10,000-shp class turboshaft/turboprop for Future Vertical Lift aircraft and its Joint Multi Role precursor.[1]

Design

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To extend range and endurance and to increase hot-and-high payload and performance, it should reduce BSFC by 35%, reduce production/maintenance costs by 45%, improve power-to-weight by 80% and design life by 20% to more than 6,000 hours.[1]

Development

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In November 2011, GE was selected for $45 million over five years, to develop technologies including advanced aerodynamics, cooling configurations and improved materials; and rig tests to validate innovative components, leading up to a full system demonstration.[1]

In 2017, following the successful tests of the engine’s compressor with the highest single-spool pressure ratio recorded, combustor with GE's most extensive use of CMCs allowing unprecedented high-temperature capability and weight reduction, and turbine rig tests, the first assembled engine completed testing after running 40 hours, reaching the program goals, before a second prototype began testing in 2018.[2]

See also

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Comparable engines

References

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  1. ^ a b c "GE Selected for Future Affordable Turbine Engine Program" (Press release). GE Aviation. November 21, 2011.
  2. ^ Robert Brooks (Oct 9, 2017). "GE Aviation, Army Complete Future Engine Tests". American Machinist.