The Air Force Research Lab has issued a call for a five-year development program to demonstrate a revolutionary engine—the Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology—with technologies that “optimize propulsion system performance over a broad ranges of altitude and speed” rather than sacrificing fuel efficiency for high performance or vice versa, according to an AFRL release. Project ADVENT “represents the next big step in turbine engine technology development,” said Jeff Stricker, chief engineer for turbine engines in AFRL’s propulsion directorate at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The adaptive engine would combine fuel efficiency and high performance. AFRL plans to select two competing contractor teams in August, followed by downselect to a single contractor in 2009 and engine demonstrator testing in 2012.
Top lawmakers on Capitol Hill announced Dec. 2 that they have reached a deal to extend the continuing resolution currently funding the government into February. Now, the House and Senate will have to scramble to pass the legislation by 11:59 p.m. Dec. 3 to avoid a temporary shutdown.