SINGAPORE - Honeywell Aerospace has begun ground testing the SkyShot 1600, a new line of engines specifically designed for uncrewed tactical jets and Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA). The manufacturer aims to provide a lightweight, low-cost engine that meets the unique requirements of autonomous fighter aircraft, distinct from their heavier manned counterparts.

Drawing on the company’s extensive expertise in auxiliary power units, the SkyShot 1600 offers a scalable thrust range of 800 to 2,000 lb (3.5-8.9 kN). Honeywell executive Matt Milas describes this range as the "sweet spot" for military operators who require high performance at a price point significantly below that of conventional fighter engines. The new powerplant is notably smaller than Honeywell’s existing F124 light fighter engine, which currently powers manned aircraft like the Leonardo M-346.

The development of the SkyShot was driven by a scarcity of engine options for the emerging class of CCA drones. With major manufacturers currently relying heavily on the Williams International FJ44 business jet engine for prototypes, Honeywell entered the market to alleviate supply bottlenecks. The move positions them against other major competitors including Rolls-Royce, Pratt & Whitney, and GE Aerospace - who are also racing to develop small engines for this sector.

Honeywell has rapidly progressed from announcing the program in 2025 to active testing. As of early 2026, the company has mounted the SkyShot 1600 on a test stand and is currently conducting ground tests to validate the engine’s performance and durability for future deployment.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/military-uavs/honeywell-eyes-asia-with-skyshot-uncrewed-fighter-engine-launch/166063.article

SINGAPORE - China Airlines, a Taiwan-based carrier, has signed TotalCare agreements for 36 Trent XWB engines, including 30 Trent XWB-97 and 6 Trent XWB-84, that will power 15 Airbus A350-1000 and 3 A350-900 aircraft, respectively. The A350-1000 aircraft order was announced by Airbus in 2025.

As part of the deal, China Airlines continues to select Rolls-Royce’s comprehensive TotalCare service to cover the health and maintenance of the engines. Currently, China Airlines operates a fleet of 15 Trent XWB-powered A350 aircraft, and with the addition, their total A350 fleet will reach 33.

The Trent XWB-97 has racked up more than four million engine flying hours over seven years of service. It has received the first two of its three phases of durability enhancements, which are already delivering a 60% increase in time on wing. The third phase, which will enter service in 2028, will total a doubling of time on wing in challenging environments and provide a 50% improvement in benign conditions.

Source: Rolls-Royce
Associated URL: https://www.rolls-royce.com/media/press-releases/2026/04-02-2026-rr-signs-totalcare-agreements-with-china-airlines-for-36-trent-xwb-engines.aspx

GAVIÃO PEIXOTO, Brazil - Embraer has announced a dual expansion for its C-390 Millennium program, revealing the Republic of Uzbekistan as a new customer and presenting the first aircraft completed for the Republic of Korea Air Force.

The Brazilian aerospace manufacturer identified Uzbekistan as the previously undisclosed buyer behind a contract signed in 2024. The announcement marks the C-390’s entry into Central Asia as the Uzbekistan Air Force moves to modernize its military transport fleet.

Separately, Embraer showcased the first C-390 destined for South Korea during a ceremony at its Gavião Peixoto production facility. The event follows a contract signed in December 2023, establishing the Republic of Korea Air Force as the platform’s first Asian operator. Embraer executives noted the delivery highlights the program's industrial maturity and strengthening ties with South Korean suppliers.

The C-390 Millennium is a tactical transport jet capable of carrying a 26-metric-ton payload (approximately 57,320 pounds) and performing missions ranging from medical evacuation and search and rescue to aerial refueling. With these developments, the aircraft’s operator list has grown to include Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Austria, the Czech Republic, Sweden, Slovakia and Lithuania.

Source: Forecast International