A Jet Fuel Starter and Expendable Turbojet

Abstract

The small gas turbine jet fuel starter (JFS) and the expendable turbojet share common technology. Both designs are essentially constrained by high power density, low costs, and technology levels for small turbomachinery. Recognized early by the Air Force through the promotion of its expendable gasifier program, this common technology is now reaching fruition with initial development of the F-16 T-62 “Titan” JFS into a low cost turbojet. The relatively high production base for the T-62 Titan, which has more than 15,000 units of all models in service, plus a high degree of component commonality holds promising potential for realistic achievement of a low cost turbojet. Technical features of the Titan JFS and the turbojet are presented in this paper to demonstrate their common technology. Profitable technology avenues for improving power density and life cycle costs are discussed and recommendations made for development of higher performance levels.