| ATF3 / F104 | |
|---|---|
%2c_USA_-_Coast_Guard_AN0617966.jpg) ADassault HU-25 Guardian, powered by two ATF3 engines | |
| Type | Turbofan |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | |
| First run | May 1968 |
| Major applications | |
| Number built | 200+ |
TheGarrett ATF3 (US military designationF104) is a 3-spoolturbofan engine developed at the California division ofGarrett AiResearch. Due to mergers it is currently supported byHoneywell Aerospace. The engine's design is unusual; the core flow path is reversed twice. Aft of the fan, the axial compressor has five stages, after which the gas path progresses to the aft end of the engine. There, it is reversed to flow through a centrifugal compressor stage, the combustors and then the turbine stages. Beyond this, the flow is then reversed again to exit through the fan bypass duct. All engine accessories are mounted on the aft end of the engine under an engine tail-cone.[1]
The ATF3 was first flown in the TeledyneRyan YQM-98 Compass Cope R high altitude UAV, as the YF104-GA-100. The engine proved to have a very low infrared signature, as the hot turbine was not externally visible and the core exhaust mixed with the bypass air before exiting the engine. The pilots of U-2 high altitude chase planes reported being unable pick up the YQM-98A with either radar or IR sensors.[2] It was later used in theNorthrop Tacit Blue stealth demonstrator because of these characteristics.[3]
The most significant application of the engine was on theDassault HU-25 Guardian, developed for the US Coast Guard. It was also used on theDassault Falcon 20G andDassault Falcon 200.[3]
The ATF3 was "selected byNorth American Rockwell for its newSeries 60 Sabreliner business jet. . . . [H]owever, the ATF3 developed engineering and production problems. Delivery schedules were not met. North American Rockwell brought a $60 million suit against Garrett. . . . The suit was settled out of court for less than $5 million cash. The engine was ultimately selected for a version of theDassault Falcon ordered by theU.S. Coast Guard for offshore surveillance."[excessive quote][4]
Data fromJane's All The World's Aircraft 1988-89.[5]
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