Pratt & Whitney accelerates NGAP engine development with digital tools

Published 23/09/2025, 13:26
Pratt & Whitney accelerates NGAP engine development with digital tools

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. - Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE:RTX) business, is using digital data packages to speed up development of its XA103 engine for the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, according to a company press release.

The company reports that the rate of delivering XA103 technical data packages has doubled through the implementation of stringent digital requirements for suppliers and internal teams. The approach aims to shorten development times, reduce costs and increase design efficiency. According to InvestingPro analysis, RTX maintains a "GOOD" financial health score, suggesting strong operational effectiveness. Discover detailed insights and 12 additional exclusive ProTips about RTX on InvestingPro.

Pratt & Whitney has invested more than $30 million this year to develop its model-based environment, which the company says improves propulsion design accuracy. The digital initiative involves over 1,000 engineers and support staff, along with more than 100 domestic suppliers.

"Model-based design ties all the puzzle pieces together, fostering constant collaboration, and we are applying these learnings across our engine portfolio," said Jill Albertelli, president of Pratt & Whitney’s Military Engines business.

The NGAP team is working toward an Assembly Readiness Review to validate the prototype’s build and test timeline. Testing of the XA103 engine is expected to begin in the late 2020s.

Pratt & Whitney, founded in 1925, supports more than 90,000 in-service engines through its global maintenance network. Its parent company RTX, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, reported 2024 sales exceeding $80 billion.

In other recent news, Raytheon has secured a significant $271 million contract modification for the production of the Tube-Launched Optically Tracked Missile Weapon System, as announced by the U.S. Department of Defense. The project, which includes the TOW Obsolescence and Safety 2B missile variant, will be executed in Tucson, Arizona, with an expected completion date of February 29, 2028. Additionally, Raytheon has been awarded two major contracts from the U.S. Navy totaling approximately $436 million for radar systems and missile production capacity enhancement. These contracts include a $219.9 million order for components used in various radar and control systems. Meanwhile, Raytheon has also made strides in electronic warfare technology, completing a major review of its Advanced Electronic Warfare prototype for the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets. In related developments, Pratt & Whitney, another RTX business, is working on a new family of engines for combat aircraft, focusing on speed and cost-effectiveness. Pratt & Whitney has also partnered with PBS Group to develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit for aircraft, aiming for higher power density and reduced size and weight. These advancements highlight ongoing efforts in enhancing defense and aviation capabilities.

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