Fahrenheit 3,600

Abstract

This article illustrates capabilities of gas turbines to be able to work in extremely elevated temperatures. The turbine airfoils in the new F135 jet engine that powers the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) Lightning II are capable of operating at these extreme temperatures. The F135 gas turbine is the first production jet engine in this new 3,600°F class, designed to withstand these highest, record-breaking turbine inlet temperatures. The JSF engine is just one product in the $3.7 billion military gas turbine market, which includes jet engine production for the world’s fighter aircraft military cargo, transport, refuelling, and special-purpose aircraft. The article also discusses the features of H Class, which is the largest electric power gas turbine that has been interpreted as an abbreviation for humongous. Non-aviation gas turbines consist of electrical power generation, mechanical drive, and marine. The largest segment of that market by far is electrical power generation, in simple cycle, combined cycle, and cogeneration. Forecast International predicts significant growth in coming years in demand for gas turbine electrical power generation, rising from $8.6 billion in 2006 to a projected $13.5 billion in 2008, a 60 percent increase.