The science and technology phase of the Air Force’s Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology, or ADVENT, program is expected to wrap up in Fiscal 2013, according to Kevin Geiss, deputy assistant secretary of the Air Force for energy. Under ADVENT—an Air Force Research Lab-led effort—the Air Force is hoping to develop an engine for military aircraft that is both high performance and fuel efficient, Geiss told attendees at his AFA-Air Force presentation Wednesday in Arlington, Va. Today’s high-performance engines, such as those on the F-16 fighter, tend to guzzle jet fuel. Other engines are highly efficient, but only within a limited performance range. ADVENT looks to “bridge that gap,” said Geiss.
For years, sustainment challenges and spare parts shortages have hindered the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter’s readiness. But the Air Force’s experience flying F-35s heavily in operations against Iran have showed what the jet can be capable of, if maintainers get all the supplies and support they need.
