Rolls-Royce Joins GE/Allison Team On JAST Propulsion Program
March 11, 1996 -- EVENDALE, Ohio - Rolls-Royce has joined the GE Aircraft Engines/Allison team to jointly develop and produce two advanced military engines.Under an exclusive arrangement, the three companies will develop and produce the YF120 cruise engine and the GEA-FXL lift engine for the Joint Advanced Strike Technology (JAST) aircraft program.
The companies have further agreed to consider extending the agreement to address other potential military aircraft applications for the two engines.
This cooperative venture brings together significant propulsion technologies from each company. By drawing upon the strengths of the three companies, this team can produce the range of technologies to meet the challenging JAST requirements.
Since 1993, GE and Allison have successfully teamed to demonstrate advanced propulsion technologies under U.S. government-led technology initiatives. In addition, R-R and GE collaborated successfully in 1993-95 on lift-fan propulsion studies and demonstrations for the U.S./U.K.-sponsored Common Affordable Lightweight Fighter Program, which has since been incorporated into the JAST program.
Under this agreement, GE will initially act as the lead systems integrator for the engine development work. The agreement, however, provides the opportunity for the three companies to form a succeeding business agreement within the next few years. The work scope on the two engines is as follows:
- YF120. The engine is being developed as a competitive engine for all JAST aircraft under
consideration. The engine's basic core (hot section) was developed and successfully demonstrated in
flight by GE for the U.S. Air Force's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) engine competition.
Allison will provide hot section components for the engine core and low pressure turbine; Rolls-Royce will design and manufacture the fan module.
- GEA-FXL. The engine has been selected as the lift engine for the Lift+ Lift Cruise variant of the STOVL version of the JAST aircraft. The engine core will be based on a demonstrator engine developed by GE and Allison. Rolls-Royce will design and manufacture the low-presssure turbine for the team's offering.
