Gas turbines have rotating and stationary blades. The stationary blades are used to guide air through the engine. Often, the first one to three rows of blades have variable guide vanes, or rotating stationary blades. Instead of rotating around the central shaft, these blades twist or pivot in place to increase or decrease the amount of air flowing into the engine and the incidence angle of the air going into the rotating airfoils.

We are looking for a new way to change this air flow. Efficiency, accuracy, and precision of this air flow profile are requirements, as this affects output, efficiency, and stresses on all of the components.

The current rotating stationary blade design is a concept has been used for decades, and we're ready for a leaner, more robust, highly reliable solution!

Successful solutions will meet these key success criteria:
- Hardware should not be in the flow path.
- For rotational designs, all blades must turn/rotate by the same amount at the same time.
- Hardware should be easy to maintain, with easy access, replacement, and repair.
- Capable of long-term use.
- Serviceability: The solution has to be retrofittable.
- Create uniform airflow.

See this video for an overview of the most recent Siemens gas turbine model: