Pratt & Whitney is advancing the development of a new propulsion system family designed for advanced munitions and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA).
The engines will deliver scalable thrust between 500 and 1,800 pounds (227–816 kilograms), making them suitable for a wide spectrum of platforms. Initial testing is planned for later this year, with additional trials set for early 2026 to validate key design aspects. The system will be available to both US and international customers.
Although the propulsion line remains unnamed, Aviation Week reported—citing Albertelli—that it leverages technologies from the TJ150 engine used in munitions and decoys, as well as insights from the GatorWorks FJ700 turbofan.
The program is being fast-tracked to meet growing demand for expendable unmanned CCAs designed to operate alongside manned fighters. Beyond the US Air Force, nations such as India and Australia are also pursuing CCA initiatives.
Germany, meanwhile, is preparing for manned-unmanned teaming under its Next Generation Weapon System program, which will combine a new manned fighter with CCAs.
