Pratt & Whitney (P&W) has successfully completed a critical round of testing on its small turbofan engine family, paving the way for integration into next-generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The tests confirmed that thrust levels on these engines can be significantly increased, strengthening their suitability for advanced military applications.
The turbofan family, originally designed for commercial aircraft, is already well established for its reliability, efficiency and high performance. Building on these strengths, the company has unlocked additional capability tailored for CCAs, which demand engines that are compact, responsive and capable of delivering superior manoeuvrability and range.
According to Jill Albertelli, President of Pratt & Whitney’s Military Engines business, the results demonstrate that the company’s existing commercial-off-the-shelf engines can provide up to 20% more thrust than their qualified rating. She highlighted that this approach not only delivers enhanced performance but also allows operators to benefit from reduced cost and weight when applied across multiple unmanned platforms.
In addition to thrust expansion, a second phase of testing is currently in progress. This series examines the impact of inlet airflow and pressure variations on engine stability, particularly when engines are embedded within an aircraft’s design. Distorted or interrupted airflow has the potential to affect performance, and engineers are deliberately pushing those limits to better understand and predict outcomes in real-world conditions.
To support these efforts, Pratt & Whitney is employing a digital twin model alongside physical testing. This combined approach helps engineers analyse airflow behaviour, predict engine performance, and reduce integration risks. By doing so, the company is aligning its programme with cost, schedule and technical requirements, while ensuring that future CCA platforms can be fitted with engines that meet stringent reliability and operational standards.
