The General Electric F118 is a high-bypass turbofan engine that has been a cornerstone of the United States Air Force’s B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet since the 1990s. As one of the most advanced and efficient engines of its time, the F118 has played a critical role in the B-2’s ability to conduct long-range, high-altitude missions with unparalleled stealth and precision. With its unique blend of power, efficiency, and reliability, the F118 has become an iconic symbol of American aerospace engineering prowess.
Key Points
- The General Electric F118 is a high-bypass turbofan engine designed for the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
- It produces 17,000 pounds of thrust, with a bypass ratio of 10:1 and a compression ratio of 23:1.
- The F118 features a single-stage high-pressure turbine and a six-stage high-pressure compressor.
- Its advanced cooling system and composite materials enable efficient operation at high temperatures.
- The engine's reliability and maintainability have been improved through the use of advanced diagnostics and condition-based maintenance.
Design and Development
The F118 was designed by General Electric’s (GE) Aircraft Engines division, now known as GE Aviation, in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The engine was specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of the B-2 Spirit, which demanded a high degree of stealth, efficiency, and reliability. The F118’s design incorporated several innovative features, including a high-bypass turbofan configuration, a single-stage high-pressure turbine, and a six-stage high-pressure compressor. These design elements enabled the engine to achieve a high level of efficiency, with a specific fuel consumption (SFC) of 0.32 pounds per pound-force-hour.The F118's development was a complex and challenging process, involving the collaboration of numerous government agencies, contractors, and industry partners. The engine underwent extensive testing and evaluation, including ground tests, flight tests, and simulation-based analyses. The results of these tests and evaluations were used to refine the engine's design, optimize its performance, and ensure its reliability and maintainability.
Performance Characteristics
The F118 is a high-performance engine, capable of producing 17,000 pounds of thrust. Its bypass ratio of 10:1 and compression ratio of 23:1 enable it to achieve a high level of efficiency, while its single-stage high-pressure turbine and six-stage high-pressure compressor provide a high degree of reliability and maintainability. The engine’s advanced cooling system, which utilizes a combination of air and fuel, enables it to operate efficiently at high temperatures, while its composite materials and advanced coatings provide a high degree of durability and resistance to corrosion.| Engine Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Thrust | 17,000 pounds |
| Bypass Ratio | 10:1 |
| Compression Ratio | 23:1 |
| High-Pressure Turbine Stages | 1 |
| High-Pressure Compressor Stages | 6 |
Operational Experience
The F118 has been in operational service with the United States Air Force since the late 1990s, powering the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet. The engine has accumulated thousands of hours of flight time, demonstrating a high level of reliability and maintainability. The F118’s advanced diagnostics and condition-based maintenance capabilities have enabled the Air Force to optimize its maintenance practices, reducing downtime and increasing overall fleet availability.The F118's operational experience has also provided valuable insights into its performance and durability. The engine has been subjected to a wide range of operating conditions, including extreme temperatures, altitudes, and flight regimes. The results of these operations have been used to refine the engine's design, optimize its performance, and improve its reliability and maintainability.
Maintenance and Support
The F118’s maintenance and support requirements are critical to its overall performance and reliability. The engine’s advanced diagnostics and condition-based maintenance capabilities enable the Air Force to optimize its maintenance practices, reducing downtime and increasing overall fleet availability. The F118’s maintenance requirements are also supported by a comprehensive logistics and supply chain system, which ensures that spare parts and technical support are available when needed.The F118's maintenance and support requirements are also influenced by its design and construction. The engine's modular design, which features a number of interchangeable components, enables maintenance personnel to quickly and easily replace worn or damaged parts. The engine's advanced materials and coatings also provide a high degree of durability and resistance to corrosion, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and repairs.
What is the F118's thrust-to-weight ratio?
+The F118's thrust-to-weight ratio is approximately 5:1.
What is the F118's specific fuel consumption (SFC)?
+The F118's SFC is approximately 0.32 pounds per pound-force-hour.
What is the F118's bypass ratio?
+The F118's bypass ratio is 10:1.
As the F118 continues to power the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber fleet, its performance, reliability, and maintainability will remain critical to the success of the United States Air Force’s long-range, high-altitude missions. With its advanced design, materials, and diagnostics, the F118 is poised to remain a cornerstone of American aerospace engineering prowess for years to come.
Related Terms:
- Lockheed U-2
- Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit
- General Electric F110
- General Electric F101
- General Electric F404
- General Electric F414