Pratt & Whitney has entered into an agreement with a Czech company to develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit for jet engines.
Pratt & Whitney has entered into an agreement with a Czech company to develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit for commercial and military applications.
The partnership with PBS Group, headquartered in Prague, will produce auxiliary power units for fighter jets, rotorcraft, and business jets.
Auxiliary power units are compact engines that start the main engine and provide electrical power and compressed air to support aircraft systems including cabin temperature control, avionics and emergency power to re-start the main engines in flight.
Only four companies in the world are currently authorized to develop and certify civil auxiliary power units.
The next-generation auxiliary power unit is designed to be significantly smaller and lighter, and capable of rapidly starting and operating at high altitudes, according to Pratt & Whitney. The upgrades will enable new aircraft design opportunities and additional capabilities across military and commercial applications, Pratt & Whitney said.
"Advanced (auxiliary power units) are essential for both defense and commercial aviation," said Jessica Villardi, vice president of fighter and mobility programs at Pratt & Whitney. "This work with PBS underscores Pratt & Whitney's commitment to our customers and our focus on developing next generation turbine technologies to support future industry needs."
The agreement was established through the Industrial Cooperation Section of the Czech Ministry of Defense.
