Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP)

The Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) is an initiative by the Air Force to advance engine technology through the development of adaptive engine prototypes. The primary goals are to enhance fuel efficiency, increase thrust, and integrate new component technologies. These objectives are pursued through comprehensive assessments at various power settings, including sea-level and altitude tests, to evaluate thermal capacity, reliability, and supportability. The program also aims to scale adaptive engine technology to meet military fighter engine size requirements while ensuring readiness for manufacturing and technology integration.

Managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center's Propulsion Directorate at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, AETP involves collaboration with industry leaders such as General Electric and Pratt & Whitney. These companies were tasked with designing high-performance, flight-weight adaptive turbine engines. The contracts emphasize performance factors like engine weight and maintainability. A significant aspect of the program is its role in risk reduction for the Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, which supports future Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) capabilities.

The program has undergone several phases including detailed design, engine fabrication, and assessments. It also includes transition planning and design improvements aimed at reducing engine weight and enhancing performance durability. Despite its achievements in advancing adaptive engine technologies, AETP is not transitioning to a program of record and is scheduled to close out in FY 2024. However, the insights gained from this program are expected to inform future propulsion system developments for combat aircraft applications.

AETP has contributed significantly to the understanding of adaptive engine capabilities through rigorous testing and evaluation processes. The data collected from these activities are crucial for planning next-generation propulsion systems that promise enhanced operational capabilities for military aircraft. As the program concludes, its legacy will continue through its influence on subsequent propulsion technology initiatives within the Air Force's strategic framework.