propulsion

Snecma, the French engine manufacturer of the Safran group is working on an 'open rotor' engine that promises to cut fuel consumption and CO2 emission levels, and reduce acoustic signature powering the passenger airplanes in the 2030s. The goal of the current research is to test a jet engine that consumes 30% less fuel than today’s powerplants. This new type...

Silent Falcon UAS is introducing at AUVSI 2013 a small drone, designed to perform long endurance missions of up to 14 hours using solar power. The drone called Silent Falcon, can be launched by hand or from a vehicle, and carry a dual-sensor payload weighing about 1.3 kg. According to the manufacturer the drone has completed development and is...

While DARPA refocuses its SOLAR HALE ambitions, a privately funded company is determined to launch a solar drone into an 'atmospheric orbit', tapping evolving opportunities in the commercial and homeland security market. Mega-size solar power drones are taking shape at several manufacturers across the USA, where 'atmospheric satellites' are being developed, designed to take small payloads into 'atmospheric orbit'...

The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is planning to attract an international partner for the development of the troubled Kaveri jet engine program, through an international, open tender, after the joint program with French engine maker Snecma failed to deliver the expected results.

The US Air Force began testing a C-130H Hercules tactical transport aircraft powered by an enhanced T-56 engine that could save $2 Billion, keeping the Hercules flying until 2040.

Boeing's Phantom Eye unmanned airborne system (UAS) completed its first autonomous flight June 1 at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.

Dependable Engines: With Evolving Military Landscapes, Pratt & Whitney Remains Steadfa

IAI Elta is introducing a new air defense, surveillance, threat alert and air traffic control radar (AD STAR) offering an affordable, mission specific solution for customers worldwide. In recent years IAI Elta has witnessed a growing demand for air surveillance radars, with customers planning to phase out legacy air defense radar system.

The Department of Defense (DoD) today issued a stop work order in connection with the Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine program, halting development of the F-136, which was designed to offer competing engine option for F-35 customers. The program is under development by a consortium of General Electric and Rolls Royce. While the announcement does not terminate the alternate...

Eurofighter and engine supplier Eurojet are promoting a thrust-vector option for the Eurojet EJ200 engines powering the Typhoon, proposed for the Indian MMRCA program. Eurofighter has raised the possibility of a thrust-vectoring upgrade to become part of a future Typhoon mid-life upgrade, a move that could deliver substantial operational cost savings that would offset the cost involved with the...

Alliant Techsystems (ATK) has been awarded a research and development contract for the Counter Air / Future Naval Capabilities (CA/FNC) program to develop technologies that can be incorporated into next generation air-to-air missile systems. The contract, worth nearly $10-million will fund a four year study by ATK, evaluating specific propulsion technologies considered for integration into the future missile systems.While...

General Electric and Rolls Royce are planning to begin testing a production configured of the F136, the alternate power plant for the F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter. "Based our successful test results and the recent completion of our Critical Design Review, we’re on track to begin testing the F136 production-configuration in just a few months,” said Jean Lydon-Rodgers,...

Pratt & Whitney announced today the certification of its F135 engine to power the Lightning II's first flight later this year after successfully completing all tests scheduled to date. The F135 has achieved Initial Flight Release from the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO). Robert Burnes, JPO F-35 propulsion director, has declared all F135 tests and verification reports complete, clearing...