Engine Provider Sees 'Disconnect' In U.S. Air Force CCA Planning

Honeywell says U.S. Air Force propulsion planning for the next Collaborative Combat Aircraft increment is diverging from what some airframe manufacturers want. The service is emphasizing fuel efficiency and a medium-thrust engine, while companies have shown interest in roughly 6,000–8,000 pounds of thrust to carry useful payloads over operational ranges. Honeywell is positioning both its existing 6,000-pound-thrust F124 and the smaller Skyshot 1600, arguing that aggressive schedules favor reliable available engines and that additional fuel may solve range needs more quickly than a new propulsion design.