DOD Acquisition: Case Study of the Air Force Advanced Fighter Engine Program
Abstract
The need for an advanced fighter engine is linked to development of the new advanced tactical fighter that dates back to January 1973. While this original need was withdrawn from consideration due to developments in the A-10, F-15, and F-16 aircraft at that time, the program reemerged when the air staff submitted a Mission Element Need Statement for approval by the Office of the Secretary of Defense in September 1981. On November 23, 1981, the Defense Resources Board approved the advanced tactical fighter program as a fiscal year 1983 new start. The engine program is intended to demonstrate key propulsion technologies previously identified in such conceptual predesign studies as the Advanced Technology Engine Study and the Propulsion Assessment for Tactical Systems. These technologies have been initially assessed in the following programs Advanced Turbine Engine Gas Generator, Aircraft Propulsion Subsystem Integration, Joint Technology Demonstrator Engine (funded by both Air Force and Navy), and Propulsion Component Technology. General Electric, Pratt and Whitney, Garrett, Detroit Diesel Allison Division of General Motors, and Teledyne were involved in these technology programs. In the joint advanced fighter engine demonstration efforts, these technologies will be integrated into a design that approximates the correct size, cycle, and specific design criteria for a tactical fighter engine While initiated as a joint Air Force/Navy program, when the projected date of initial operational capability for the Navy application slipped past the year 2000, the Navy withdrew funding from the joint program. The Navy continues to share technology and to provide some technical support to the program.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 25, 1986
- Accession Number
- AD1173658
Entities
People
- Frank C. Conahan
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office