Military Activities

Abstract

THE achievement of higher thrust‐to‐weight ratios and the realisation of thrust vectoring and reversing engine nozzles were among subjects highlighted at Le Bourget. Prominent among the former was the Pratt & Whitney F100‐PW‐229 engine which is a growth version of the F100 rated at 29,000 lb thrust and providing up to 35% more power than its predecessor, the −220. It is scheduled to replace existing engines in F‐15 and F‐16 aircraft without modification and without increasing the size of the inlet. Flight testing of the new engine began in 1988 and production is scheduled for later this year. Much of the technology incorporated represents adaptation or refinement of that derived from previous F‐100 models and an 8:1 thrust‐to‐weight ratio is achieved. The airflow is increased by reducing the size of the fan hub while retaining the same overall dimensions. A new compressor is incorporated which still retains capacity for futher growth, there is an improved durability combustor and the LP turbine is designed to match the increased power requirements of the higher airflow fan.