#United States #RTX #Pratt & Whitney #PBS Group #East Hartford, Connecticut

RTX and PBS Group: Pioneering the Future of Auxiliary Power Units

In a significant move towards advancing aviation technology, Pratt & Whitney, a prominent business under RTX (NYSE: RTX), has secured a partnership with PBS Group, based in Prague, to co-develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit (APU). This collaboration will cater to a variety of applications in the aviation sector, encompassing both commercial and military markets, including fighters, rotorcraft, and business jets.

The cooperation is underscored by support from the Ministry of Defense's Industrial Cooperation Section, which has been instrumental in connecting domestic and international partners to enhance the innovative capabilities of the Czech defense industry. Radka Konderlová, Director General for Industrial Cooperation at the Czech Ministry of Defense, expressed optimism regarding PBS Group’s collaboration with one of the foremost players in defense, stating, "this initiative enhances PBS's potential and reinforces the strength of Czech industry, crucial for ensuring security during crises."

The forthcoming APU promises to deliver enhanced performance and reliability. These compact engines are designed to initiate the main engine, while concurrently providing necessary electrical power and compressed air to support essential aircraft systems—encompassing climate control, avionics cooling, and emergency power to reboot engines mid-flight. Notably, this next-generation APU is projected to achieve the highest power density in the market, showcasing superior performance in a minimized form factor, thus paving the way for innovative capabilities in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms.

Jessica Villardi, vice president of Fighter and Mobility Programs at Pratt & Whitney, emphasized the critical role of advanced APUs in the aviation sector, declaring, "they are essential for both defense and commercial aviation, ensuring aircraft are mission-ready on the ground and optimized for performance in the air." She highlighted that this partnership with PBS speaks to Pratt & Whitney’s dedication to addressing customer needs and advancing turbine technologies that align with future industry requirements.

The new APU will significantly outpace traditional models by being notably smaller, lighter, and capable of rapid high-altitude starts. This transformation is anticipated to unlock new aircraft design options and bolster capabilities across various military and commercial scenarios—amplifying electrical power, enhancing thermal management, and enabling electronic warfare technologies.

Milan Macholán, CEO of PBS Velká Bíteš, asserted, "only four firms globally are authorized to develop and certify civil APUs, and PBS Velká Bíteš is proud to be among them. Our collaboration with a leading entity in this realm exemplifies our commitment to evolve technological prowess in APUs for upcoming civil and defense initiatives."

Established as a key player in APU production for decades, RTX leverages its extensive experience, drawing from its legacy as a major gas turbine engine supplier to inspire innovations in both commercial and military propulsion solutions. PBS, with its extensive history in APU manufacturing since the 1970s, boasts in-depth expertise spanning the entire development process—from design and calculations to technology implementation, production, installation, and subsequent servicing.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney stands as a global leader in aircraft engine design, manufacturing, and servicing for military, commercial, and civil aviation sectors. Since its inception in 1925, its engineers have been at the forefront of revolutionary aircraft propulsion technologies, currently providing support for a fleet of more than 90,000 engines worldwide through a robust network of maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities.

About RTX

RTX holds the title of the world's largest aerospace and defense organization, employing over 185,000 individuals globally. The company relentlessly pushes technological and scientific boundaries to revolutionize global connectivity and security. RTX is committed to advancing aviation and engineering integrated defense systems, all while developing next-generation tech solutions and manufacturing facilities to handle urgent global challenges. In 2024, RTX reported sales exceeding $80 billion and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

About PBS Group

PBS Group is synonymous with aviation tech innovation and high-precision engineering. Based in Velká Bíteš, with expanding production capabilities in the USA and India, PBS Group has established itself as a formidable force in defense and civil technologies. The firm actively contributes to modern aviation technology developments that bolster NATO defense projects, positioning itself strongly in both sectors.