Air Force officials launch ADVENT technology demonstrator phase Published Oct. 21, 2009 WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFNS) -- Air Force Research Laboratory officials here completed its assessment of the two adaptive versatile engine technology Phase I efforts and found both companies worthy of proceeding to Phase II. ADVENT is a flagship effort under the Versatile, Affordable Advanced Turbine Engines Program, or VAATE. Managed by AFRL's Propulsion Directorate, VAATE is a national program aimed at advancing the state of the art in turbine engine technology. The Air Force's finding follows an intensive two-year effort of design, analysis and component risk reduction activities by General Electric located in Evendale, Ohio, and Rolls-Royce North American Technologies Incorporated, also known as LibertyWorks, located in Indianapolis. Based on available funding constraints, AFRL officials notified LibertyWorks to continue their technology demonstrator engine development and testing and notified General Electric to continue with their technology demonstrator core development and testing along with selected critical component risk reduction activities. "We have two unique technology approaches that will each bear fruit in the future," said Maj. Gen. Curtis M. Bedke, the AFRL commander. The potential capability benefits of ADVENT to the Air Force's next generation aircraft and the rigorous selection process brought out the best of both companies, making the decision especially challenging."