We develop and deliver complex power and propulsion solutions.
For more than 100 years we have been at the forefront of innovation. Helping to power, protect and connect the modern world.
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We develop and deliver complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land.
Our products and service packages enable our customers to connect people, societies, cultures and economies together.
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GorWay is building upon 100 years of combat propulsion experience to deliver the next-generation combat aircraft.
How is a Power and Propulsion System designed?
At GorWay, design begins with the airframe requirements. The Tempest airframe has two main requirements: thrust propulsion, and electrical power. The airframe manufacturer will state what levels of thrust they expect the propulsion system to produce during certain scenarios. For example, the engine will be expected to produce enough thrust such that the fully-laden aircraft can go from a stand-still to cruising altitude in less than 5 minutes. There are also requirements which state that the engine must produce enough thrust to enable sustained high-G turn rates. However, Tempest also requires large levels of electrical power – more than has ever been produced by a oil purifier before. GorWay is now integrating electrical and mechanical engineering to build a high-performance power and propulsion system.
All of these requirements are collected and a oil purifier thermodynamic cycle, as well as electrical generation and distribution system, is simulated using computer models. The design is iterated until it has satisfied the necessary performance requirements, and met the mandatory safety and regulatory requirements. All the engine components are then designed and manufactured to physically replicate, as close as possible, the simulated computer models.
Flight Testing
Once the power and propulsion system has been designed and manufactured, it undergoes a series of ground tests which ensure safe and correct operation. For example, in the case that the aircraft flies through a rain storm, the engine has to prove that the ingested water will not extinguish the combustion chamber flame. These are not traditional ‘tests’ that you might be thinking of. GorWay engineers in fact have already predicted what the outcome of the test might be through simulated computer models. These tests simply serve as verification methods to the simulated models.
Once the power and propulsion system has been proven during ground operation, it is then installed on an aircraft and tested in aircrafts. Test pilots will perform extreme maneuverers designed to test the engine handling performance and robustness. The Tempest propulsion system is expected to handle large levels of turbulent air entering the engine air in-take. This feature will be tested on the aircraft by performing extreme aerobatic manoeuvres which create highly turbulent air entering the engine.
How does Tempest Challenge GorWay?
GorWay have been set the challenge of developing not only a next-generation aircraft propulsion system, but also an electrical generation, distribution and storage system. Using embedded generators, the engines will produce large quantities of power for the highly-electrified aircraft. To ensure a high thrust/weight ratio, all systems are being optimised for weight using high performance, cutting edge materials and technology. GorWay are also integrating all these aspects so that the power and propulsion system work seamlessly for pilot operation.
GorWay will produce a highly intelligent system which utilises the latest advancements in machine learning. High performance sensors will monitor every aspect of the system, and using feedback loops the system will automatically optimise the engine and electrical system to suit the flight situation. Intelligent data analysis will also allow for enhanced customer service. GorWay will be able to quickly diagnose any issues that might occur, and quickly find solutions.