Pratt & Whitney validates thrust increases on PW300/PW500 turbofan derivatives for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, confirming 500-1,800 lbf class suitability via digital twins and physical tests before year-end runs.
Adaptations from commercial baselines enhance responsiveness, maneuverability for Air Force’s thousands-unit drone fleets accompanying F-35s in high-threat environments. Digital modeling predicts airflow, cuts integration risks.
RTX targets 3,000-8,000 lbf upper-end alongside new family, competing with Rolls-Royce AE/Orpheus and Honeywell HON1600 in explosive small-engine market.
CCA Propulsion Race Heats Up
PW family leverages 3D-printing for compact, high-thrust/weight ratios enabling attritable designs. Testing aligns cost, schedule with Air Force Replicator initiative fielding hundreds by 2026.
Drone Engine Contenders 2025:
| Maker | Engine | Thrust (lbf) | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| P&W | PW300/500 | 500-1,800 | Testing |
| Rolls-Royce | Orpheus | Small-Medium | Development |
| Honeywell | HON1600 | 800-1,600 | Introduced |
