RTX's Pratt & Whitney completes critical engine testing for Collaborative Combat Aircraft

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX's (NYSE: RTX) subsidiary Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed critical testing of its small turbofan engine family for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The tests revealed that their existing commercial engines can deliver up to 20% increased thrust for unmanned applications.

The company is currently conducting a second phase of testing focused on inlet airflow and pressure variations for embedded engines. These tests, combined with digital twin modeling, aim to optimize engine performance and reduce integration risks for CCA platforms while maintaining cost-effectiveness.

Positive

• Current production engines can deliver up to 20% increased thrust for unmanned applications
• Testing confirms capability to adapt existing commercial engines for military CCA use, reducing costs
• Digital twin modeling implementation helps reduce integration risks

Negative

• Potential performance impact when airflow to engine is interrupted or blocked in embedded configurations

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Current production engines can offer up to 20% increased thrust for unmanned applications

EAST HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has completed critical testing on its small turbofan engine family for use on Collaborative Combat Aircraft, or CCAs. Testing confirms that the business can increase thrust on these existing engines for use on CCA platforms.

The engine family, originally designed for commercial aircraft applications, is known for its exceptional performance, reliability and efficiency. Building on these qualities, Pratt & Whitney has unlocked additional capability from the engine to benefit CCA applications, which favor embedded engines that offer maximum maneuverability and range. 

"For unmanned applications, our commercial-off-the-shelf engines can offer an up to 20% increase in their qualified thrust capability," said Jill Albertelli, president of Pratt & Whitney's Military Engines business. "This means that we can deliver increased performance from these production engines. Ultimately, this will allow for reduced cost and weight for multiple applications."

A second series of tests is underway, monitoring inlet airflow and pressure variations for engines embedded within the aircraft. When airflow to the engine is interrupted or blocked, there is the potential to impact performance. These tests are pushing those limits, intentionally distorting airflow around the flight envelope to document performance and produce a reliable prediction tool for future installations. 

These series of tests, conducted alongside a digital twin model, allow Pratt & Whitney to meet cost, schedule and technical requirements for CCA propulsion while reducing risk to engine integration activities. 

About Pratt & Whitney 
Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units for military, commercial and civil aviation customers. Since 1925, our engineers have pioneered the development of revolutionary aircraft propulsion technologies, and today we support more than 90,000 in-service engines through our global network of maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities.

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.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-pratt--whitney-completes-critical-engine-testing-for-collaborative-combat-aircraft-302565145.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What did RTX's Pratt & Whitney announce about their engine testing for CCAs?

Pratt & Whitney announced successful completion of critical testing on their small turbofan engine family for Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), demonstrating up to 20% increased thrust capability for unmanned applications.

How much additional thrust can Pratt & Whitney's engines provide for CCA applications?

The company's commercial-off-the-shelf engines can provide up to 20% increase in their qualified thrust capability for unmanned applications.

What is the current testing phase focusing on for RTX's CCA engines?

The second series of tests is focusing on inlet airflow and pressure variations for embedded engines, specifically monitoring performance when airflow is interrupted or blocked.

How is RTX reducing risk in their CCA engine development?

RTX is using a combination of physical testing and digital twin modeling to reduce integration risks while meeting cost, schedule, and technical requirements for CCA propulsion.