Service Invests In Future Propulsion Options For Autonomous Platforms

The US Air Force has awarded contracts to a mix of engine makers to develop new propulsion options for its forthcoming drone wingmen and other autonomous platforms. The awards, issued to Beehive Industries, Honeywell, Pratt & Whitney, and a team-up of GE Aerospace and Kratos, aim to mature engine designs in support of conceptual designs for Combat Collaborative Aircraft (CCA) Increment 2 and other Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP). The Air Force is seeking to create new engine options in lower thrust ranges to unlock more options for future drones. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.