Funding Boost for Sixth-Generation Fighter Jets
**The U.S. Air Force has dramatically increased its investment in the development of engines for sixth-generation fighter jets, tripling the funding to $3.5 billion.** This substantial boost comes as the Air Force seeks to enhance its capabilities with the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion System (NGAP), which is set to be the primary engine for the upcoming Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet. Previously, both General Electric (GE) and Pratt & Whitney had their funding capped at $975 million in 2022, making this new financial commitment a significant leap forward.
The NGAP initiative aims to create ‘adaptive’ engines that can shift to the most efficient thrust configurations based on varying mission demands. This versatility is crucial for the Air Force’s operational needs. Although adaptive engines were initially considered for the F-35 fighter jet, their high costs and incompatibility with some models led to the decision to upgrade existing engines instead. Therefore, the advancements in the NGAP program are pivotal for shaping the future of fighter jet power systems.
The Strategic Vision Behind NGAD
The Air Force describes the NGAD project as a “system family,” encompassing not only a sixth-generation manned fighter jet but also Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) designed to function as unmanned ‘wingmen’ alongside advanced weapon systems. However, the financial implications of this ambitious program have raised concerns, as the projected unit cost for the NGAD is estimated to be between $250 million and $300 million, three times the cost of the F-35.
In light of these costs, the Air Force has initiated a reassessment of its air dominance strategy, leading to a temporary suspension of the NGAD program in the summer of 2024. This pause reflects the need for a more sustainable approach to funding and developing next-generation combat capabilities.
Accelerating Engine Development
The recent infusion of funds into the NGAP program is expected to expedite engine development for both GE and Pratt & Whitney. Pratt & Whitney has announced the successful completion of the critical design review for its XA103 engine, with plans to commence ground tests in the late 2020s. Meanwhile, GE reported that its XA102 engine passed a major design review in December 2023, positioning it for prototype testing.
According to the Department of Defense, NGAP engines promise a high-performance propulsion system with an adaptable architecture suited for various mission scenarios. The contract’s timeline indicates that the work should reach completion by July 2032, paving the way for future advancements.
Political Uncertainties and Future Challenges
The future trajectory of the NGAD program now hinges on the incoming administration’s priorities, particularly after Donald Trump’s victory in the November 2024 presidential elections. The Air Force’s previous leadership indicated that the new administration would play a crucial role in determining the program’s direction moving forward.
Despite the technical and budgetary hurdles facing both the NGAD initiative and the NGAP engine development, the Air Force remains committed to advancing these critical technologies. As they navigate these challenges, the focus on developing next-generation engines reflects a strategic move to maintain air superiority in an evolving global landscape.
