HON6000 Engine Ready to Power CCA & Uncrewed Aircraft

A new breed of engines will power next-generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) that will fly high-risk missions in contested environments. CCA engines will need to be efficient, reliable and affordable to meet the specific needs of these highly autonomous aircraft meant to fly as “loyal wingmen” alongside conventional crewed military fighters.

Honeywell Fields Ready-Now High-Performance Engine

Honeywell Aerospace, the world’s leading developer of medium thrust turbine engines, has launched the HON6000 high-performance turbofan engine for CCA and other uncrewed aircraft, light combat aircraft and advanced jet trainers.

The HON6000 is based on proven Honeywell engine architecture, optimized to meet the requirements of medium-sized CCA and other platforms. It features the highest power-to-weight ratio in its thrust class to deliver optimum performance in demanding kinetic environments.

Introduction of the HON6000 engine complements Honeywell’s previously announced SKYSHOT1600 engine for smaller CCAs, enabling Honeywell to provide the right propulsion solution for manufacturers of small and medium sized CCA platforms. 

Meeting the Unique Needs of CCAs

Honeywell Aerospace provides a full portfolio of propulsion engines – including the highly respected F124 turbofan – to meet the needs of light combat and advanced training aircraft. But the HON6000 and SKYSHOT1600 are the first Honeywell engines specifically designed to meet 100% of CCA mission outcomes. 

For example, the HON6000 delivers the thrust, responsiveness and durability a medium-sized CCA needs to operate as a dependable teammate flying with crewed fighters on critical long-range missions in contested environments. 

With its proven combat pedigree, the HON6000 will give CCAs the power needed to execute missions autonomously, perform safely and predictably, and maintain formation, timing and mission discipline with crewed aircraft. 

Keeping the HON6000's cost low is central to its value proposition. Honeywell’s focus on low acquisition and ownership costs and simplified maintenance supports high availability and makes it well-suited for attritible, high-risk operations at scale.

Reducing Risk With Proven Concepts

The HON6000 builds on Honeywell Aerospace’s extensive legacy of innovative propulsion engines for medium-thrust military fixed-wing aircraft. The new engine incorporates proven Honeywell technologies used in approximately 150,000 turbine propulsion engines and auxiliary power units (APUs) produced over the past 50 years for military and commercial aircraft.

Though based on highly successful legacy architecture, the HON6000 uses updated components, modern aerodynamics, the latest material systems and contemporary manufacturing methodologies, including additive manufacturing. 

Because it shares DNA with proven production engines and is manufactured in the United States, Honeywell can scale manufacturing quickly to meet customer requirements – reducing risk for CCA manufacturers and end users.