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Pratt & Whitney, a division of RTX Corporation, and General Electric have completed the detailed design reviews (DDRs) for their XA103 and XA102 adaptive cycle engines. These engines are part of the United States Air Force's Next-Gen Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, which aims to power the USAF’s Next Generation Air Dominance fighter jet.
An adaptive cycle engine, also known as a variable cycle engine, can provide both high thrust and cruise efficiency by utilizing a third bypass duct. This feature allows for increased cruise efficiency or more superheated air for take-offs and combat scenarios.
Both Pratt & Whitney and General Electric are leveraging previous work from the Adaptive Engine Transition Program for the F-35. Although neither company's engine was selected at that time, the designs have evolved into GE’s XA102 and Pratt & Whitney’s XA103.
