GDIT helps Air Force design green propulsion systems

General Dynamics Information Technology has won an $18.5 million contract to assist the Air Force as it seeks to develop environmentally friendly jet engine propulsion systems.

A major goal of the Propulsion Environmental Technical Support contract is to promote environmentally significant materials, processes and technology in the propulsion industrial base that will eventually lead to “the ultimate green engine,” company officials said.

The program seeks to design and build an Air Force green engine with parts that do not corrode while the engine is in use, they said. In addition, no hazardous materials will be used or released during manufacture and maintenance. The engine will have a minimal environmental impact on air emissions and noise.

Under the contract, which was awarded by the Air Force Materiel Command at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, General Dynamics IT will provide personnel, engineering services, equipment, materials and facilities for the Propulsion Environmental Working Group’s Technical Support program.

In addition, the defense contractor will handle transformation technology support, enhanced equipment analysis, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul process development and implementation.

General Dynamics IT also will perform program management duties including governance, communication, program funds tracking and change management. The company will mentor and coach participating Air Force personnel on commercial business processes and on Federal Aviation Authority airworthiness issues.

General Dynamics Information Technology is a unit of General Dynamics Corp. The parent company ranks No. 6 on Washington Technology’s 2008 Top 100 list of the largest federal government prime contractors.