Propulsion
XA100 Adaptive Cycle Engine
Outperform. Outpace. Only AETP.
The only option ready to deliver for the U.S. and its Allies.
Revolutionary capabilities to deter geopolitical threats
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.
Tested and Ready.
Real engine. Real performance.
Unrivaled performance,
validated by test
The GE XA100 became the world’s first flight-weight, three-stream adaptive cycle engine to fire up in December 2020. It was soon followed by a second engine that began testing in August 2021. Following two successful rounds of testing across two engines, the XA100 accomplished its third and final major contractual testing milestone at the U.S. Air Force's Arnold Engineering Development Complex in August 2022.
GE’s engine is uniquely designed to fit both the F-35A and F-35C without any structural modifications to either airframe — meaning compatibility with nearly 90% of the F-35 program of record.
This engine enables transformational benefits in aircraft range, acceleration, and cooling power to accommodate next-generation mission systems, while also ensuring durability and enhanced readiness.
Creating new operational possibilities
30
%
More Range
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.
2
x
Thermal management
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 to accommodate and fully exploit the next-generation mission systems on the F-35.
>20
%
More Acceleration
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.
Revolutionary Capability
Adaptive Engine Advantages
Why the time is now for F-35
Fuel savings
Three-stream, adaptive architecture enables lower fuel spend and reduces tanker reliance
25% betterFuel Consumption
More thrust
To give fighter pilots more of what they need, when they need it
>10%Greater Thrust
Better heat absorption
Enabled through 3D-printed (additive) heat exchangers
2xThermal Management Capacity
Carbon reduction benefits
Reducing CO2 emissions over F-35 life cycle
SAF CompatibleCan operate on U.S. Air Force-approved Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), commonly known as "biofuels"
Lighter and more durable
Ceramic matrix composites (CMC) are 1/3 the weight of traditional metal parts
500°F Can withstand 500°F more heat
Aircraft Benefits
Uniquely designed to fit both the F-35A and F-35C without any structural modifications to either airframe — meaning compatibility with nearly 90% of the F-35 program of record.
Increased range
So pilots can fly longer in more combat scenarios
30%Increase in range
Increased acceleration
To allow pilots more nimble tactics and aggressive pursuit
20-40%Greater acceleration
Next-generation mission systems
As new missions systems are introduced to the F-35, this engine’s third stream will provide significant improvements in thermal management to enable mission systems growth for decades to come
2X Mission systems growth potential
The 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.
