GE Aviation has been awarded multiple cost-share contracts by NASA valued at more than US$20 million to research advanced engine cores for single-aisle aircraft.

The jet engine manufacturer will test and mature compact jet engine core designs, including compressor, combustor and high-pressure turbine technologies, as part of NASA’s ‘Hybrid Thermally Efficient Core’ (HyTEC) project.

Continued development of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) is also a key part of the duo’s efforts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. They plan to ground test a new compact engine core by the mid-2020s.

GE Aviation’s vice president of engineering Mohamed Ali said: “The HyTEC project further expands GE Aviation’s partnership with NASA on the future of flight with our shared commitment to accelerate the introduction of technologies that reduce the environmental impact of commercial aviation and make a step-change reduction in fuel burn.

“We are grateful for NASA’s confidence in GE Aviation as a partner to co-develop sustainable technology solutions, including new aircraft engine cores and hybrid electric powertrains that are critical elements of our CFM RISE programme.”