Pratt & Whitney is making significant strides in the development of its XA103 engine, tailored for the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program. The company, a subsidiary of RTX, is capitalizing on advanced digital engineering tools to enhance the design and production processes.
Through the integration of “stringent digital requirements” across its supply chains and engineering teams, Pratt & Whitney has reported reductions in both development times and costs, while simultaneously boosting design efficiency. A noteworthy component of their strategy involves the adoption of an advanced model-based design approach. This methodology facilitates rapid design iterations, smoother integration with suppliers, improved forecasting for manufacturing, and expedited digital validations prior to the creation of physical prototypes.
To support this transition, Pratt & Whitney invested $30 million to construct a robust digital design infrastructure. This effort harnessed the expertise of approximately 1,000 engineers and staff members, along with contributions from over 100 U.S. suppliers. As a result, the company claims to have doubled the delivery rate of technical data packages related to the XA103 engine, a crucial milestone prior to the upcoming Assembly Readiness Review—a pivotal step that will ascertain the timeline for transitioning prototypes into the build and testing phases.
Jill Albertelli, President of Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, emphasized the importance of the model-based design approach, stating that it effectively integrates all components of the project while promoting continuous collaboration. She noted that the insights gained from this initiative are being applied across the company’s entire engine portfolio.
The NGAP program is a critical element of the Pentagon’s strategy to introduce sixth-generation fighter aircraft within the Next Generation Air Dominance initiative. The XA103 engine is one of two adaptive engines in development, the other being General Electric’s XA100. Unlike conventional engines, adaptive cycle propulsion systems are designed to alternate between high-thrust and fuel-efficient modes, providing future combat aircraft with extended range capabilities and enhanced survivability in contested environments.
While both engine designs are slated for testing around 2030, the timeline for the NGAP program has faced significant delays. Initially expected to be released in 2027, the program is now anticipated to reach key milestones closer to 2030.
In 2022, Pratt & Whitney secured a contract valued at $975 million for the prototype phase of the NGAP, aimed at delivering propulsion systems that enable future air dominance platforms while transforming the propulsion industrial landscape. Furthermore, a subsequent contract worth $3.5 billion was signed in January 2025, focusing on technology maturation and risk reduction services, including design, analysis, testing, and integration efforts.
