PHOENIX- Honeywell has secured a U.S. Air Force prototype contract to design a propulsion system for autonomous collaborative combat aircraft. The effort centers on the company’s new small-thrust-class engine, the SkyShot 1600.
The award supports the Air Force’s next phase of unmanned aircraft propulsion development under the Propulsion Consortium Initiative 2.0.
US Air Force Selects Honeywell
The U.S. Air Force selected Honeywell to develop a prototype propulsion system tailored for collaborative combat aircraft.
The contract was awarded as an Other Transaction Authority Project Agreement by SOSSEC, Inc., supporting the Air Force Propulsion Directorate under the Propulsion Consortium Initiative 2.0.
The agreement falls under OTA No. FA8626-24-9-0005 between the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center and SOSSEC, Inc.
The SkyShot 1600 is designed specifically for autonomous and semi-autonomous platforms operating in contested environments. Its flexible architecture allows configuration as either a turbojet or a turbofan, depending on mission requirements. This adaptability enables integration across a range of unmanned aircraft systems and collaborative combat aircraft concepts.
Honeywell stated that the engine combines established propulsion technologies with newer advancements to meet evolving requirements for cost control, speed, and operational performance in next-generation air platforms.
Thrust Range and Performance Capabilities
The SkyShot 1600 supports thrust levels ranging from 800 to 2,800 pounds. The modular design allows scalability for additional thrust if future mission needs demand higher output.
The engine is engineered to meet demanding G-level performance standards, ensuring it can support aggressive maneuver profiles. This capability is critical for collaborative combat aircraft, which are expected to operate alongside crewed fighters and execute high-dynamic mission tasks.
The option to configure the propulsion system as a turbojet or turbofan provides operators with flexibility in balancing fuel efficiency, speed, and mission endurance.
Accelerated Development and Production Strategy
Honeywell is applying advanced digital modeling and modern manufacturing methods to streamline development of the SkyShot 1600. Digital engineering tools enable faster design iterations, rapid performance assessments, and smoother integration with air vehicle systems.
These processes aim to shorten development timelines while supporting efficient, cost-effective production. The approach also seeks to strengthen supply chain resilience, a key requirement for scaling production of defense propulsion systems.
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies Overview
Honeywell Aerospace Technologies supplies engines, avionics, connectivity systems, thermal and power solutions, and actuation systems for commercial, defense, and space aircraft. Its products are installed across a wide range of global aviation platforms.
The company operates as part of Honeywell’s broader portfolio, which spans aerospace, industrial automation, building technologies, and process solutions.
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