The micro-turbofans used in modern corporate jets typically have SFC half that of the military class turbofans. The digitalized Williams FJ-44 is a fuel sipper that can crank out 3500 pounds of subsonic thrust at a .46 sfc for an installed weight of 650 pounds in its biggest version. While not really suitable for dogfighting where a high TWR is preferable, it would dramatically boost cruise range for strike packages that fly in the high subsonic cruise parameters.
The USAF has already used micro-turbofans with stealth coatings for decades, so they are familiar with their usage. Integrating one into a centerline drop tank for F-16CJ’s or for underwing drop tanks on the F-15E would boost range compared to using purely its own power. And with both fighters able to move fuel in/out of the drop tanks, it’s conceivable that they would still operate when the drop tanks hit bingo fuel, so they aren’t lugging around a ton of dead weight.
The concept would work even if instead of a fuel tank, it’s simply a turbofan-integrated ordnance. The B-52 loaded with twelve cruise missiles underwing all fired up at takeoff would be a sight to see for sure. Even ALCM turbofans are rated to fly a few hundred hours whereas their mission calls for but a few. Taking advantage of the most fuel efficient engines underwing just seems like a no-brainer.
Thoughts?
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October 18, 2014 at 6:31 pm