US Air Force Taps Four Firms for New Drone Engines
The U.S. Air Force has awarded contracts to Beehive Industries, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, and a GE Aerospace–Kratos team to mature engine designs for its "loyal wingman" drone programs. The initiative aims to expand domestic engine options for Collaborative Combat Aircraft and other autonomous platforms. The goal is to enhance the industrial base, reduce supply chain risks, and ensure rapid scaling for future drone fleets.
- These development contracts are for the second increment of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) program; the first increment relied on existing, off-the-shelf engines to meet its rapid schedule. - The GE Aerospace-Kratos team received a $12.4 million contract to design its GEK1500 engine, a 1,500-pound thrust class powerplant that leverages the architecture from their smaller GEK800 cruise missile engine. - Competitor Honeywell
