US Air Force and GE Reveal New Technologies, Joint Advances

The US Air Force, in collaboration with GE Aerospace, has introduced a range of advanced technologies at the Farnborough Air Show 2024, promising to reshape both military and commercial aviation. These innovations focus on enhancing existing aircraft and pioneering new propulsion systems, addressing future warfare needs while considering environmental impacts.

A key development is the overhaul of the GEnx-2B engines for the Boeing 747-8, which will be integrated into the new SAOC platform according to GE. This US$13 billion Pentagon contract, in partnership with Sierra Nevada Corp (SNC), aims to modernize the E-4B Nightwatch aircraft. 

Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems, GE Aerospace, stated: “This multi-year project is crucial for national security. The GEnx engine, with its proven performance and dependability, will significantly benefit this specialized aircraft. We are excited to be involved in this important initiative.”

The upgraded GEnx engines are expected to improve efficiency by up to 15%, reduce noise by 30%, and lower emissions of nitrogen oxides and other gases.

“The GEnx engine is essential for national security, offering the exceptional performance and reliability needed by the US Air Force. We are proud to have GE Aerospace as a central member of Team SAOC,” Brady Hauboldt, Vice President of Business Development, NC3 Programs, commented.

GE Aerospace has also introduced a computing platform known as the Sensitive Networking Digital Backbone. This open architecture system will control multiple avionics and aircraft systems for both civil and military applications. Already in use on the Boeing 787 and selected for the US Army’s V-280 Valor, this platform enables the integration of new capabilities, such as electronic warfare systems, without requiring extensive redesigns. 

In a GE Aerospace press release, Matt Burns, General Manager of Avionics, GE Aerospace, stated: "We are demonstrating our Time Sensitive Networking (TSN) Digital Backbone and its support for the Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA). It is crucial for customers to have the capability to easily modify aircraft systems and trust in an open, scalable, and high-speed data infrastructure."

In the realm of propulsion, GE Aerospace also shared how it is advancing hypersonic flight technologies. The company is developing Rotating Detonation Combustion techniques for future aircraft capable of reaching speeds of Mach 5. Additionally, GE informed it is exploring adaptive cycle engines, which offer improved efficiency and cooling, with the future goal of solving major performance issues in high-speed military aviation.