The U.S. Air Force issued a total of $7 billion to two manufacturers working on the prototype stage for their respective roles in the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program. The GE Edison Works, a part of GE Aerospace devoted to research and development of military aircraft engines; and Pratt & Whitney Engines, have drawn separate awards of $3.5 billion, “for technology maturation and risk reduction services” in executing the prototype phase of the anticipated fighter jet engine technology.
Both awards are structured as modifications to previously awarded contracts, and assign the contractors to design, analyze, rig test, build and test prototype engines, and define weapon system integration, with their work expected to be complete by July 13, 2032.
The NGAP program is a USAF initiative seeking to identify adaptable jet engine technology for the "Next Generation Air Dominance" (NGAD) program, a parallel effort to define and develop a new fighter aircraft.
The objective of the NGAP program is to establish technologies that will provide superior fuel efficiency, greater engine thrust during combat maneuvers, and enhanced survivability based on an ability to adjust engine performance according to flight conditions. The USAF’s vision is of a common jet engine that is versatile enough to be used in different combat situations, thanks to the use of "adaptive cycle" technology by which an engine’s air-compression ratio can be modified according to flight situations.
