US Air Force Awards Contract for Second Engine Source for JASSM

The US Air Force has taken a significant step towards expanding its standoff-strike inventory by awarding a contract to GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions for the development of the F143 engine. This engine will serve as a second-source propulsion system for the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), adding to the missile's propulsion supply base.

## Background on JASSM Propulsion The JASSM is currently powered by two different engines, depending on the variant. The AGM-158B JASSM-ER is powered by the Williams International F107-WR-105 turbofan, while the baseline AGM-158A uses a Teledyne CAE J402-CA-100 turbojet. The F143 engine, also known as the GEK800, is an 800-pound-thrust turbofan designed for long-range missiles and other uncrewed applications.

The F143 engine is intended to provide a second source of propulsion for the JASSM, rather than replacing the existing engines. This move is part of a broader US Air Force effort to expand its standoff-strike inventory, which includes the development of new missiles such as the FAMM-BAR, a low-cost cruise missile.

## Engine Development and Testing GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions began working together on the F143 engine in 2023, with funding from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The joint team has completed more than 50 engine starts during ground testing and has also conducted altitude testing at Purdue University's Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories. According to Amy Gowder, president and CEO of GE Aerospace Defense & Systems, the designation and award of the contract reflect "years of disciplined engineering".

## Comparison of GE Aerospace Engines The F143 engine is part of a larger family of engines being developed by GE Aerospace for uncrewed and expendable platforms. The following table compares the different engines in the family: | Engine | Thrust | Application | | --- | --- | --- | | GEK800 (F143) | 800 pounds | Long-range missiles and uncrewed applications | | GEK1500 | 1,500 pounds | Uncrewed and expendable platforms | | GE426 | medium thrust | Uncrewed and expendable platforms |

The development of the F143 engine is a significant step towards rebuilding US capacity to manufacture low-cost jet engines in large quantities for drones and cruise missiles, according to Kratos president and CEO Eric DeMarco. The contract award is also a testament to the success of the partnership between GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions.