The Alternate Engine Program

The goal of the JSF propulsion system development is to produce two competitive, multi-service, physically and functionally interchangeable propulsion turbomachinery designs, both compatible with the Rolls-Royce STOVL components. To this end, General Electric (GE) received a contract to begin the preliminary design of the JSF F120 core turbomachinery in November 1995. This core is now being developed and components tested, with a full-scale core engine test scheduled for late 2000.

GE, Rolls-Royce, and Allison Advanced Development Company (AADC), teamed to produce the F120 alternate engine for JSF. Rolls-Royce's responsibility in this program is to design and develop the low-pressure fan, which will employ a development of the hollow titanium fan technology on Rolls-Royce large commercial engines. AADC (part of Rolls-Royce) is responsible for the combustor and low-pressure turbine. GE will lead the team and build the high-pressure compressor and high-pressure turbine.

Starting in 2001, after the final downselect for EMD, the Alternate Engine Program will develop the appropriate concept-unique low-pressure components. EMD of the Alternate Engine is currently planned for 2004-2011. Competition with the P&W engine will then commence.