If the UAE orders Lockheed Martin's F-16U Fighting Falcons for its air force, the likely powerplant would be GE Aircraft Engines' latest variation on a theme, the F110-GE-129EFE (Enhanced Fighter Engine).
Speaking at Dubai '97 yesterday, Graham McCracken, GE's director, Middle East and Africa, said the UAE would be the launch customer for the engine if it decided to go with the F-16U.
The engine, offering a combination of greater thrust and increased reliability, is capable of thrust vectoring using GE's Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) technology.
GE's self-funded programme to produce a 21st-century version of its mainstream fighter engine will result in a power increase from 129kN (29,000lb) to 151kN (but with a demonstrated growth capability to 160kN) or a 50% increase in the engine service interval.
The power increase is generated through technology developed for GE's Advanced Tactical Fighter engine and proven on the F-18E/F strike/attack aircraft and B-2A bomber.
A more efficient, long-chord blisk (bladed disc) gives greater airflow and higher pressure ratios, while the radial augmentor (afterburner) - using F120 and F414
experience - has 25% fewer parts, accounting for significantly lower maintenance costs.
The -EFE variant of the engine is physically interchangeable with the F110-GE-129 engines currently powering both F-16C/D multi-role fighters and F-15E attack/air superiority fighters. In addition, today's -129 engines can be upgraded to -EFE specification.
Qualification of the -EFE to power both F-15s and F-16s is targeted for the end of 1999, with production deliveries beginning in 2000.
The F110 engine powers 85% of the USAF's F-16C/D fleet and more than three-quarters of the fighter type worldwide, including those in service in the Middle East with Bahrain, Egypt and Turkey.
It is also the powerplant for the Mitsubishi F-2 of the Japanese Defence Agency and is undergoing USAF field service trials for the Boeing F-15E.
Source: Flight Daily News
