The General Electric
F118 two-spool turbofan engine is a derivative of the GE F101,
which was developed for the Advanced Manned Strategic Aircraft Program (the B-1 Lancer).
The F118 shares the core design of the F101 and was created by developing new low pressure systems to tailor engine performance to match the needs
of the B-2 Spirit program, which was unveiled by the U.S. Air Force in 1988. The F118 is the non-afterburning version of the GE F110.
The Northrop Grumman
B–2 Spirit
is an intercontinental stealth bomber powered by four non-augmented F118-GE-100 turbofans. The aircraft employs low-observable technology,
so-called Stealth, to achieve its mission. The bomber is an all-wing aircraft with twin weapon bays. The B–2
stealthy features are derived from a combination of reduced infrared, acoustic, electromagnetic, visual, and
radar signatures. The dramatically reduced sum of these signatures makes it difficult for even the most
sophisticated defensive systems to detect, track, and engage the B–2. The B–2 Spirit is capable of delivering
massive firepower in a short time, anywhere in the world through high-threat defenses using both conventional
and nuclear munitions.
The B-2 Spirit
is somewhat similar to an experimental aircraft developed in the 1940s, the Northrop YB-49A "Flying Wing", which had been powered
by eight General Electric J35 engines. Flight testing of the F118 began in mid-1989.
Another application for the F118 engine is the U-2S Dragon Lady high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft (spy plane).
The U-2S is the result of the 1998 re-engining of U-2R aircraft with the F118-GE-101 turbofan. This greatly increased the service ceiling, range,
control and safety of the aircraft.
Source: U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and General Electric Co.
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Engine Type: |
Two-Spool Turbofan Engine |
Applications: |
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Status: |
In Service |
Manufacturer: |
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Price/Unit Cost: |
Unknown |
By Joakim Kasper Oestergaard Balle /// Contact Forecast International
GE Aviation's F118 Page: Not Available
YouTube: General Electric F118 on YouTube
Fact Sheet: General Electric F118
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Manufacturer: General Electric Co. |
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Manufacturer: General Electric Co. |
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