Paul Lewis/WASHINGTON DC
General Electric claims that re-engining the Fairchild A/OA-10 Thunderbolt with its proposed TF34-101 could save the US Air Force $2.5 billion in support costs over the projected remaining life of the fleet.
The engine manufacturer has teamed with Northrop Grumman, which owns the aircraft technical data, and logistic support contractor Lockheed Martin to market an A-10 powerplant and avionics upgrade. The USAF has yet to be convinced and has not appropriated funding from its increasingly over-stretched budget.
GE contends that the TF34-101 would cut overall maintenance costs to less than $100 per flight hour - a quarter of the figure for the TF34-100A. The proposed engine is a derivative of the civil CF34-8, flat rated to around 11,000lb-thrust (49kN), which the company claims will enable the turbofan to 'stay on wing' for the rest of the A-10's life.
"The biggest concern over the current aircraft is a lack of thrust and survivability. It needs added performance and the biggest advantage of the TF34-101 is that it will allow the aircraft to fly higher and faster," says Alan Ewing, GE manager military marketing.
Compared to the present 8,000lb-thrust engine, the TF34-101 would provide the A-10 with 30% more acceleration, twice the turn rate and a threefold improvement in climb rate to 19,500ft (5,950m). At the aircraft's 23,154kg (51,000lb) maximum weight, take-off distance is cut by 60%.
A new engine is part of a wider package of proposed enhancements designed to keep the A-10 operational until 2028. Other potential improvements include a glass cockpit, an off-board datalink and equipping the aircraft with a new navigation and targeting pod.
There is industry recognition that the USAF is unlikely to be able to muster the funds to upgrade all 365 A/OA-10s in service, but that 100-200 aircraft is more realistic. GE's near-term goal is secure money for a demonstrator, which could fly 15 to 24 months from award of contract.
Source: Flight International
