Thu, Jun 25, 2009
Program Funded Primarily by the U.S. Airforce
Rolls-Royce has achieved a
significant milestone in the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology
(ADVENT) research program, delivering the adaptive fan system rig
on schedule to the U.S. Air Force Compressor Research Facility
(CRF). Rig testing will commence and will validate the performance
of a key component of the LibertyWorks ADVENT engine.
Testing will be conducted over several months and will focus on
variable cycle engine performance, a critical component in
achieving high-thrust capability for take-off and maneuvering,
while reducing fuel consumption for long range and loiter
operations.
Phil Burkholder, Chief Operating Officer for LibertyWorks, said:
“The LibertyWorks technologies being created for the ADVENT
program represent a revolution in gas turbine engines, improving
existing performance capabilities while delivering the benefits
required by our customers: lower fuel burn and greater range.
Achieving this critical milestone is an important step toward
demonstrating the benefits of adaptive propulsion in future
aircraft.”
In August 2007, Rolls-Royce was awarded a $296 million contract
by the AFRL for work to develop ADVENT technologies that focus on
an adaptive engine architecture to provide a 25 per cent
improvement in average fuel consumption and reduced temperature
cooling air for thermal management. In late 2009, the U.S. Air
Force is scheduled to select a single contractor for Phase 2 of
this program that will cover final design, component testing and
full engine manufacture. This will culminate in engine demonstrator
testing scheduled for 2012.
The ADVENT technology demonstrator program, undertaken by
Rolls-Royce North American Technologies, Inc. (LibertyWorks), is
funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). ADVENT is
part of Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines (VAATE), an
initiative sponsored by industry and Government partners to advance
state of the art turbine engine technology for military and
commercial aviation.
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