The United Kingdom Engine Technology Demonstrator Program

It is generally accepted that development time scales for civil and military aero-engines can exceed those of the airframe they will power. It is now essential to ensure that relevant engine technologies are conceived and proven ahead of commitment to full-scale engine development if future military and civil propulsion requirements are to be met in an affordable way. The scope and scale of UK demonstrator activity has been greatly expanded in recent years in recognition of this need, principally through increased government funding. This paper discusses the principles underlying technology demonstration including the circumstances pertaining in the UK, concluding that a comprehensive program of technology demonstration conducted in a step-by-step fashion and properly integrated with transition to full-scale engineering development will produce significant financial and operational benefits.