GE Aviation has received Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) approval from the US Air Force (USAF) for an F110 additively manufactured sump cover. The latest milestone in the USAF and GE's pathfinder Pacer Edge program, this F110 component is the first engine component designed for and produced by metal additive manufacturing to be qualified by any US Department of Defense entity.

"Much like the GE90 T25 sensor that was an FAA certification pathfinder for metal additive manufacturing for GE Aviation in commercial aerospace, the F110 sump cover sets a solid foundation for many more additively manufactured component qualifications with GE's military customers," says Matt Szolwinski, chief engineer and leader of GE's Large Military Engineering team.

"The Pacer Edge program is an important initiative for reducing risk and showcasing the application of additive manufacturing in aerospace. The ability to additively manufacture an aircraft engine part and gain military airworthiness is a significant step forward in growing the adoption of additive manufacturing in the Air Force," adds Nathan Parker, deputy program executive officer for the USAF RSO.

"The Chief of Staff of the Air Force, General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., has challenged us to 'accelerate change or lose.' The entire Pacer Edge process is built around the 'accelerate change' philosophy, and the speed of the F110 sump cover development and airworthiness approval is evidence of that. The capability that Pacer Edge is demonstrating and proving will be a game changer to engine production and sustainment and will resolve many future Air Force readiness challenges," says John Sneden, director of the USAF's Directorate of Propulsion.