Pratt & Whitney is to collaborate with Czech Republic-based PBS Group to develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit suitable for smaller military and civil aircraft.
Potential applications include fighters, rotorcraft and business jets, says the US firm.
The agreement builds on a 2023 memorandum of understanding between the pair to define the next-generation APU concept.
PBS says the APU “is projected to have the highest power density on the market, delivering maximum performance at a reduced form factor and weight, driving new capabilities for fixed-wing and helicopter platforms.”
Additionally, the APU will be “capable of rapidly starting and operating at high altitudes”, adds P&W.
“This will enable new aircraft design opportunities and additional capabilities across military and commercial applications, including additional electrical power, enhanced thermal management and electronic-warfare technologies,” it adds.
No details of the size, power output or timeframe for development were disclosed, however.
”We are leveraging the best of our know-how and that of our collaborator to advance the technological capabilities of APUs for future civil and defence projects,” says Milan Macholan, chief executive of PBS Velka Bites.
