Aviation Engines, Propulsion & Auxiliary Power Units

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. -- United Airlines and Pratt & Whitney marked the delivery of the first aircraft powered by Pratt & Whitney GTF Advantage™ engines, an Airbus A321XLR, to the airline.

"Pratt & Whitney has been a key supplier for United Airlines throughout our long, shared history, powering multiple United aircraft types," said Ankit Gupta, United Airlines Senior Vice President and Chief Air Operations Officer.

The GTF Advantage features an upgraded hot section that delivers up to twice the time on wing compared to today's GTF engine, along with 4-8% more takeoff thrust, enabling longer range capability. Pratt & Whitney says the GTF Advantage is fully intermixable and interchangeable with today's GTF engine model, simplifying operations for airlines like United that maintain combined fleets. Pratt & Whitney will transition its entire PW1100G-JM production line to the Advantage specification by 2028.

Customers operating the current GTF engine model will have the opportunity to realize up to 90-95% of the GTF Advantage's durability benefits with the GTF Hot Section Plus (HS+) upgrade option for the PW1100G-JM engine, which will be available for incorporation during maintenance visits early next year.

Source: RTX
Associated URL: https://www.rtx.com/news/news-center/2026/09/24/rtxs-pratt-whitney-marks-delivery-of-first-gtf-advantage-powered-aircraft-to-u

BETHESDA, Md. - The Fuerza Aérea Mexicana (FAM) recently took delivery of a second Lockheed Martin. The addition of the second Super Hercules followed the first aircraft acquisition announced in January 2026, which made Mexico the first nation in Latin America to join the global Super Hercules fleet.

A long-time Hercules operator, the FAM is recapitalizing its legacy fleet with the C-130J-30 Super Hercules - a stretch variant that adds 15 feet of cargo space. The aircraft provides increased power, range, fuel efficiency and payload capacity compared to the earlier C-130H.

The expanded capability arrives at a critical moment. Shortly after the twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela, the first C-130J-30 was employed to deliver emergency supplies, medical aid and personnel to the disaster area. The second aircraft will double that response capability, allowing Mexico to sustain rapid humanitarian assistance throughout Latin America and reinforce its strategic airlift role in support of regional security.

Source: Lockheed Martin
Associated URL: https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2026-09-23-Mexico-Expands-C-130J-Super-Hercules-Fleet-with-Second-Aircraft

PHOENIX - Honeywell Aerospace has unveiled its "P40" proposal to upgrade the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter’s Power and Thermal Management System (PTMS). The modification promises a 25% boost in onboard cooling capacity, increasing from the current 32kW level up to 40kW.

The P40 package relies on software updates and liquid-cooling modifications to the existing Honeywell-built PTMS architecture rather than a replacement system. The manufacturer claims the package requires no structural modifications to the airframe. Honeywell plans to field the system between 2029 and 2030, which would align with Pratt & Whitney's ongoing Engine Core Upgrade program for the aircraft's F135 engine.

The need for an upgraded cooling system stems from onboard system upgrades that have pushed the F-35 outside its initial power and thermal design tolerances. The PTMS cools electronics and sensors across all three F-35 variants. Operating above these original limits has increased maintenance demands on the F135 engine and drives up long-term sustainment costs.

Collins Aerospace is proposing an entirely new system for the upgrade program called the Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS). This system completed simulated high-altitude tests in August and promises up to 80kW of cooling, far more than Honeywell's design. However, Honeywell argues the P40 modification can be made at lower cost and technical risk than an all-new system.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/defence/2026/09/honeywell-unveils-proposed-upgrade-to-f-35-power-and-cooling-system/