In cooperation with the US Department of Energy`s Morgantown Energy Technology Center, under contract DE-AC21-93MC30247, a Westinghouse Electric led team is working on a 10-year, four-phase Advanced Turbine Systems (ATS) program to develop the technology required to provide a significant increase in natural gas-fired combined cycle power generation plant efficiency. Environmental performance is to be enhanced, and busbar energy costs are to be 10% less than those of current state-of-the-art-turbines. In Phase II of the ATS program, the objective is to develop the conceptual design of this innovative natural-gas-fired advanced turbine system (GFATS) which, in combination with increased firing temperature ({ge}2600{degree}F), increased component efficiencies, and reduced cooling air usage, has the potential of achieving a lower heating value (LHV) plant efficiency in excess of 60%. Other program goals include providing flexibility to burn both natural gas and coal-derived fuels, holding water consumption to levels consistent with cost and efficiency goals, and having improved environmental performance. Phase II also includes development of an integrated plan to commercialize a GFATS by the year 2000, and initiation of R&D on engine components critical to the success of the plan. Figure 1 is the summary program schedule for Task 8; Design and Test of Critical Components.