Turbine engine research in the United States Air Force

Propulsion technology has always been a key to the successful development of aeronautics and has enabled new air vehicles throughout the aerospace industry. Yet advancements in propulsion have been dependent upon advancements in aerodynamics, thermodynamics and especially materials technologies. These advancements have required careful guidance in their application to propulsion through detailed technology development, a transition path and linkage to future systems. Since the late Thirties, the gas turbine engine has provided an enormous step forward in operational capability but with it has come an equal step in cost. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Propulsion Directorate (PR) has the mission to create and transition advanced air breathing, rocket propulsion and power technologies for military dominance of air and space. Its vision is to continue to be the world leader in military propulsion and power technology. This vision has been realized through coordinated research programs like the Integrated High Performance Turbine Engine Technology (IHPTET) and should be secured for the future with the follow-on Versatile Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines, VAATE