NASA has awarded contracts to five companies to provide air-breathing engine technologies in support of aerospace propulsion research and technology development activities at the agency's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

Each of the five indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contracts provide for fixed price, cost share and cost reimbursement competitive tasks with a maximum value of $125 million over the next five years.

The companies selected are GE Aviation of Cincinnati, Ohio; Honeywell of Phoenix, Ariz.; United Technologies Corporation, Pratt & Whitney Military Engines of East Hartford, Conn.; Rolls-Royce, North American Technologies, Inc. Liberty Works of Indianapolis; and Williams International of Walled Lake, Mich.

The selected companies will perform work in 10 disciplines: concept development and systems studies, high power density engine turbomachinery, advanced combustors and alternative fuels, low noise propulsion technologies, inlets and nozzles, variable and hybrid engine systems, integrated component technology demonstrations, engine icing, materials and structures, and instrumentation, controls and communication.

The work will provide for the development and demonstration of advanced turbine engine technologies to enhance aviation safety and reduce aircraft emissions, noise and fuel burning.