Propulsion
XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine
Outperform. Outpace. Only XA100.
The only option ready to deliver for the U.S. and its Allies.

The only option ready to deliver for the U.S. and its Allies.
A new era of combat propulsion is here. The XA100 adaptive cycle engine – designed, built, and tested through the U.S. Air Force's Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) – defines a revolutionary jump in propulsion capabilities this decade which address the challenges faced from increasing geopolitical threats.
This XA100 is the only engine that allows U.S. warfighters to go further, go faster and fight harder against near-peer adversaries to satisfy the true needs of the U.S. and its Allies for strategic deterrence, today and tomorrow. The technologies developed for the XA100 unlock opportunities for greater power projection, better warfighting posture, and superior operational effectiveness of the F-35 fighter fleet while also creating capacity for near- and long-term growth of the platform.
Adaptive engine
The adaptive cycle engine provides a high thrust mode for maximum power and high efficiency mode to extend mission range. Automatically alternating between these modes dramatically transforms mission capability and enables unrestricted operations.
Third stream advantage
This advanced capability provides an extra source of cooled air to improve propulsive and fuel efficiency. Most importantly, it enables a step-change in power and thermal management capability that will be required for next-generation mission systems.
Advanced materials and components
The use of new, lighter weight and more durable materials along with advanced additive manufacturing methods allow the engine to operate beyond previous generation engine limits for more survivability. These new materials and methods also improve reliability and serviceability of the engine.
"We appreciate the Senate Appropriations Committee decision to provide funds for next generation propulsion programs, which will help provide our military pilots with cutting-edge capabilities needed in the face of today’s growing geopolitical threats. For over 100 years, GE Aerospace has helped ensure U.S. military aviation superiority, and with support in both the Senate and House, our XA100 engine stands ready to continue that legacy for decades to come."
The XA100 is fully tested and ready to provide revolutionary propulsion capabilities for the F-35, with two engines and having completed the Air Force testing process.
Watch VideoAmy Gowder, president and CEO of GE Aerospace Defense and Systems business, discusses the history and future outlook of GE Aerospace's mission to revolutionize military flight through innovative technologies like the XA100.
Watch VideoGE Aerospace has successfully concluded testing on its second XA100 adaptive cycle engine with the U.S. Air Force at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC).
Read moreGE Aerospace's David Tweedie explains why only the XA100 can deliver the revolutionary capabilities our military needs by 2028.
Read moreThe U.S. Air Force and GE Aerospace initiated Phase 2 testing of GE’s second XA100 adaptive cycle engine, marking the first test of an Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex.
Read MoreThe XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine is ushering in a new era of combat propulsion to deliver transformational capability to fighter aircraft and the U.S. military.
Watch VideoGE Aerospace has concluded phase 1 testing on its second XA100 adaptive cycle engine as part of the U.S. Air Force’s Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) at GE’s Evendale, Ohio altitude test facility.
Read moreGE Aerospace initiated testing on its second XA100 adaptive cycle engine, its final planned prototype engine as part of AETP, at GE’s Evendale, Ohio altitude test facility.
Read moreGE Aerospace’s first XA100 adaptive cycle engine successfully concluded testing, validating the ability of the engine to deliver transformational propulsion capability to fighter aircraft.
Read moreGE Aerospace's Dave Tweedie discusses benefits of the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP), allowing more power and efficiency for future combat aircraft.
Watch VideoIn February 2019, GE Aerospace's XA100 successfully completed the detailed design process, paving the way for fabricating and testing multiple full-sized adaptive cycle engines.
Read moreThe revolutionary Adaptive Cycle Engine from GE Aerospace is the latest in a proud legacy of game-changing propulsion innovations.
Watch VideoThe XA100 is a product of GE's Edison Works, a team dedicated to the research, development, and production of advanced military solutions.
This team has full responsibility for strategy, innovation, and execution of advanced programs.
The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.