RTX Corp Stock Price, News & Analysis

RTX (NYSE: RTX) has completed the preliminary design review for a hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator engine as part of the SWITCH project, supported by the European Union's Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. The system combines two Collins Aerospace megawatt-class electric motor generators within a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions for future short- and medium-range aircraft.

The SWITCH project involves collaboration between MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, and Airbus. Testing of the electric powertrain will occur at Collins' facility, The Grid, in Rockford, IL, before full-scale GTF demonstrator engine assembly and testing. This initiative is part of RTX's broader technology roadmap for sustainable aviation, which includes other demonstrator programs like STEP-Tech and the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator.

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace have been chosen by Airbus Helicopters to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion system for the PioneerLab technology demonstrator. Based on an H145 helicopter, the project aims to achieve up to 30% improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to conventional models.

The system will combine a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 engine derivative with two Collins Aerospace 250 kW electric motors and controllers through a common gearbox. Test flights are scheduled to begin in 2027 in Donauwörth, Germany. The project is supported by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Actions and the UK's Aerospace Technology Institute.

RTX has achieved a significant milestone in developing its hybrid-electric STEP-Tech demonstrator, validating sustained operation of key components and energy transfer through a high-voltage electrical network. The STEP-Tech program aims to prototype distributed propulsion concepts in the 100-500kW class, scalable to 1MW+, for various next-generation aircraft platforms.

The company has successfully tested the battery system's ability to start the thermal engine and use electrical power from the turbogenerator to charge propulsor motor batteries. These tests were conducted at RTX's Technology Research Center in East Hartford, Connecticut, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture for aerospace applications.

RTX's hybrid-electric initiatives, including STEP-Tech, position the company to offer advanced propulsion technologies for improved fuel efficiency across various aircraft segments, supporting the aviation industry's goals of reduced carbon emissions and sustainable flight.

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, announced that the European Union's Clean Aviation HECATE project has achieved Preliminary Design Review (PDR). The HECATE consortium, comprising multiple European aerospace industry partners, aims to develop new high-voltage distribution technologies for future hybrid-electric aircraft. Key achievements include:

• PDR completion for power conversion and secondary distribution systems by Collins
• PDR completion for primary distribution, power management systems, and cabling by Safran
• Definition of top-level project requirements and electrical distribution architecture
• On track to achieve TRL4 and Critical Design Review by year-end

The project targets demonstrating a 500kW hybrid-electric architecture in ground tests at TRL5 by 2025. This initiative is important for developing technologies to support higher voltages required for hybrid-electric aircraft, contributing to the aviation industry's efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, and SR Technics have announced the induction of the first Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine at SR Technics' Zurich-based facility. This marks SR Technics as the 17th active facility in the growing GTF MRO network. The Swiss shop will provide full disassembly, assembly, and test capability for the PW1100G-JM engine used in the Airbus A320neo aircraft family.

This expansion is part of Pratt & Whitney's commitment to increase GTF MRO capacity to support growing aftermarket demand. In 2023, the company announced three GTF MRO facility expansions and six shop activations. SR Technics, which joined the network in 2022, is the seventh facility in Europe.

Raytheon, an RTX business, demonstrated a simulated complex missile engagement at Valiant Shield 24, integrating the U.S. Army's Lower Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensor (LTAMDS) and Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) with the U.S. Navy's Standard Missile-6 (SM-6). The test successfully proved the feasibility of SM-6 as an additional effector within the Army IAMD architecture.

The experiment used a combination of physical systems' hardware and simulation to demonstrate effective threat detection, data transfer, launch command, and successful missile intercept. This integration provides a viable option for INDOPACOM, enhancing the ability to defeat diverse and complex threats with a multi-mission missile that matches LTAMDS's long-range capabilities.

RTX has announced the appointment of Troy Brunk as the new President of Collins Aerospace, succeeding Stephen Timm who is retiring. Brunk, a 30-year aerospace and defense veteran, will report to RTX CEO Christopher Calio. With experience leading three of Collins Aerospace's six strategic business units, Brunk brings deep portfolio and customer understanding to his new role.

Stephen Timm will remain with the company as a special advisor until March 2025, focusing on business transformation. Additionally, Heather Robertson, a 24-year company veteran, has been appointed as President of Collins' Mission Systems strategic business unit. These leadership changes are part of RTX's planned transition strategy for Collins Aerospace.

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has announced the establishment of a new Customer Service Center in Bengaluru, India. This center will be part of Pratt & Whitney's India Capability Center and will support customer service and operations for Pratt & Whitney Canada's 68,000 engines in service. The facility is expected to employ over 150 aerospace experts and engineers, providing services such as MRO support, spare part management, engine leasing, and contract administration.

The center will be co-located with Pratt & Whitney's existing supply chain operations, engineering, and digital transformation centers in India. It will serve Indian and global airlines, OEMs, MROs, regulatory bodies, and small operators. Pratt & Whitney Canada's engines power the majority of India's regional aviation fleet, including over 90 aircraft operated by IndiGo, Alliance Air, Fly91, and SpiceJet.

RTX's Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed the preliminary design review (PDR) for the F135 Engine Core Upgrade (ECU) for the F-35 fighter jet. The upgrade is designed to restore full engine life and enhance performance to support Block 4 capabilities across all F-35 variants globally.

Key points:

• The ECU design is on schedule and exceeding expectations
• It will enable next-generation weapons and sensors
• The U.S. Department of Defense has officially selected the F135 ECU as the sole modernization solution for the F-35's propulsion system
• Pratt & Whitney has delivered over 1,200 F135 production engines with more than 860,000 flight hours recorded
• The ECU will be incorporated into new F-35s and retrofitted at global F135 depot facilities