RTX's Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace to lead engine integration and supply power units and nacelles for JetZero blended wing aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX (NYSE: RTX) has signed three agreements with JetZero to provide critical systems for their blended wing body aircraft demonstrator. Pratt & Whitney will integrate the PW2040 engine and auxiliary power unit (APU), while Collins Aerospace will supply the nacelle and propulsion mounting structure.

The PW2040 engine, part of the PW2000 family, delivers 37,000 to 43,000 pounds of thrust and currently powers Boeing 757 aircraft. Collins Aerospace will design and manufacture nacelle structures, including inlet, fan cowl, and fan duct components.

JetZero aims to achieve a 50% reduction in fuel burn through the aerodynamic efficiency of the blended wing design, with test flights scheduled to begin in 2027. The demonstrator project will validate technologies applicable to commercial passenger planes, cargo transports, and military aircraft, including potential future aerial refueling tankers.

Positive

• Strategic partnership in innovative aircraft design with potential market expansion
• Technology leverages existing proven products (PW2040 engine, APS3200 APU)
• 50% fuel efficiency improvement target addresses growing market demand for sustainable aviation

Negative

• Long development timeline with first test flights not until 2027
• Significant R&D investment required for new technology integration

Insights

Financial Analyst

RTX has secured a strategic foothold in next-generation aviation technology through three agreements with JetZero, a developer of blended wing body aircraft. This innovative aircraft design aims to achieve 50% reduction in fuel burn compared to conventional designs, positioning RTX in an emerging market segment focused on operational efficiency.

The agreements leverage RTX's established product portfolio across its business units:

• Pratt & Whitney will integrate its proven PW2040 engine (from the family powering Boeing 757 and C-17 military transports)
• Pratt & Whitney Canada will provide the APS3200 auxiliary power unit
• Collins Aerospace will design and manufacture the nacelle structures and engine mounting systems

While financial terms remain undisclosed, the strategic value lies in RTX's early involvement with a potentially transformative aircraft architecture. The industry continues its aggressive pursuit of fuel efficiency improvements, and blended wing designs represent one of the more promising approaches to achieving significant reductions in operating costs.

The partnership targets multiple market segments, including commercial passenger aircraft, cargo transports, and military applications—potentially including future aerial refueling tankers. This diversification helps mitigate market-specific risks and expands RTX's potential revenue streams if the technology proves successful.

With test flights planned for 2027, this represents a long-term strategic positioning rather than an immediate revenue driver. The agreement primarily utilizes RTX's existing technologies rather than requiring substantial new development, suggesting efficient deployment of the company's intellectual property across new platforms.

RTX systems will support development of novel, fuel-efficient aircraft design

ARLINGTON, Va., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RTX (NYSE: RTX) has entered into three agreements with JetZero, the developer of a novel blended wing body aircraft, to provide key systems for the airframer's full-scale demonstrator. Pratt & Whitney will integrate the PW2040 engine and auxiliary power unit (APU); and Collins Aerospace will provide the nacelle and propulsion mounting structure. Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace are RTX businesses.

"The aviation industry is focused on efforts to reduce operational costs by improving fuel efficiency and RTX has an extensive portfolio of technologies to help companies like JetZero do just that," said Juan de Bedout, RTX's chief technology officer. "Together, JetZero and RTX will play an important role in redefining the future of commercial and military aviation."

"Securing partnerships for the demonstrator's propulsion systems marks yet another meaningful milestone on our journey from design to test, to demonstration," said Dan da Silva, chief operating officer for JetZero. "We continue to make steady progress on both the demonstrator program and the design and production capabilities of the airplane that will eventually be delivered to customers. We welcome these industry-leading suppliers to the program and are inspired to see the industry's investment and belief in the blended wing airplane."

JetZero aims to achieve a 50% reduction in fuel burn based on the aerodynamic efficiency of the blended wing and is planning test flights beginning in 2027.

Under the new agreements, RTX will provide the following systems for JetZero's demonstrator:

• Pratt & Whitney will integrate its PW2040 engine. The PW2000 engine family offers 37,000 to 43,000 pounds of thrust and powers all models of the Boeing 757 aircraft, with the F117 military derivative engine serving as the exclusive powerplant for the C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The PW2040 model engine also powers the U.S. Air Force's C-32A aircraft, the military version of the 757.  
• Pratt & Whitney Canada will provide the APS3200, an APU that employs the latest in advanced manufacturing techniques, including the use of composites. Nearly 3,800 APS3200 units have been manufactured and certified for aircraft.
• Collins Aerospace will design and build nacelle structures including the inlet, fan cowl and fan duct, in addition to fairings and the engine support structure. Collins has designed, certified and manufactured nacelles for large commercial aircraft programs for decades, including Boeing 787, Airbus A350, A320neo, A220 and Embraer E2.

The demonstrator will validate key technologies that could benefit multiple customers, including commercial passenger planes, cargo transports and military aircraft – including a potential future aerial refueling tanker.  

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com

 

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the fuel efficiency target for JetZero's blended wing aircraft partnering with RTX?

JetZero aims to achieve a 50% reduction in fuel burn through the aerodynamic efficiency of the blended wing design.

When will RTX begin test flights for the JetZero blended wing aircraft?

Test flights for the JetZero blended wing aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2027.

What specific components will RTX provide for the JetZero aircraft demonstrator?

RTX will provide the PW2040 engine, APS3200 auxiliary power unit through Pratt & Whitney, and nacelle structures through Collins Aerospace.

What markets will the RTX-JetZero blended wing aircraft target?

The aircraft targets commercial passenger planes, cargo transports, and military aircraft markets, including potential aerial refueling tankers.