The Air Force Research Laboratory announced Thursday that it will continue to sponsor teams from General Electric and Rolls-Royce into the next phase of its ADVENT advanced technology development program for next-generation turbine engines, based on the results of two years’ work during phase I. “We have two unique technology approaches that will each bear fruit in the future,” said AFRL Commander, Maj. Gen. Curt Bedke. AFRL said it has notified Rolls-Royce’s LibertyWorks advanced concept shop in Indianapolis to complete its technology demonstrator engine development and testing during phase II and called on GE to continue with its technology demonstrator core development and testing, along with selected critical component risk-reduction activities.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
