US Air Force awards contract for drone wingman engines

The US Air Force has awarded a contract to Honeywell to adapt its SkyShot 1600 engine design for unmanned aircraft as part of the Collaborate Combat Aircraft program. This initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of drone wingmen, which are designed to operate alongside manned aircraft in combat scenarios. Honeywell's adaptation of the SkyShot 1600 engine is intended to support the development of these autonomous platforms. In addition to Honeywell, the Air Force has selected three other companies to contribute to the maturation of engine designs for future drone wingmen and other autonomous systems. Beehive Industries, Pratt & Whitney, and a collaboration between GE Aerospace and Kratos have also been tapped for this effort. The involvement of multiple companies indicates a strategic approach by the Air Force to diversify engine options and enhance the performance of loyal wingman drones. The Collaborate Combat Aircraft program is part of a broader initiative to integrate advanced technologies into military operations, focusing on the use of unmanned systems to complement traditional air combat capabilities. By expanding the range of engine designs available for these platforms, the Air Force aims to improve operational flexibility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios.