FET favours FADEC

BAE Systems

has been selected by the GE Rolls-Royce Fighter Engine Team (FET) to develop a full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

The propulsion system design, which uses two FADECs per engine, resulted from a joint study between BAE Systems and Evendale, Ohio-based GE Transportation-Aircraft Engines. The FADEC governs engine fuel flow, controls variable engine geometries, and incorporates a lift fan engine and nozzle controls.

The first three production lots of the F-35 will use the F135 engine produced by Pratt & Whitney. As the interchangeable engine, the FET’s F136 is slated to be incorporated in Lots 4 and 5. Beginning with Lot 6, and for all production needs thereafter, the FET will compete for the opportunity to supply F-35 engines. The F136 and F135 engines will be interchangeable across all variants of the JSF.

The FET plans to deliver the first production F136 engine in 2012. Orders for the BAE Systems FADEC could total as many as 5,000 units through 2030.