Aviation Engines, Propulsion & Auxiliary Power Units

MOSCOW - Russia’s United Engine Corporation (UEC) has successfully concluded certification testing for the PD-8 turbofan. The domestically-built engine is the designated engine for the Yakovlev SJ-100, an "import-substituted" evolution of the Superjet 100, as well as the Beriev Be-200 amphibious firefighter. Rostec says the PD-8 features 17 new technological advancements, including high-pressure turbine blades and nozzle assemblies crafted from advanced heat-resistant materials.

The comprehensive test program saw the PD-8 accumulate nearly 6,600 hours of operation, including over 1,400 hours in the air using an Ilyushin Il-76 testbed and SJ-100 airframes. The engine was subjected to extreme conditions, including bird-strikes, ice ingestion, and a final "hail ingestion" test conducted in April.

Following these successful tests, UEC is now submitting the final documentation to the federal air transport agency, Rosaviatsiya, with a type certificate expected to be issued soon.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/archive/2026/05/united-engine-wraps-up-certification-tests-for-pd-8-engine/
Author: David Kaminski-Morrow 

WASHINGTON, D.C. - GE Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney have reached a key design milestone in the U.S. Air Force’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion program by completing assembly readiness reviews for their sixth-generation fighter engines. NGAP is focused on developing advanced adaptive-cycle turbofans for the Boeing F-47 air dominance fighter and other next-generation combat aircraft. The engines are intended to deliver longer range, better thermal management, and more electrical power for advanced sensors and weapons systems.

Both companies used integrated digital modeling to speed the move from design to prototype production. GE confirmed its XA102 review on May 11, and Pratt & Whitney announced progress on its XA103 on May 8. Although the Air Force plans to begin F-47 flight testing as early as 2028, the NGAP engines will not be ready for those first flights. Pratt & Whitney expects to complete its prototype in the late 2020s, so early versions of the fighter will use other, still-undisclosed propulsion systems while the new engines undergo ground testing.

NGAP also builds on technology from the earlier Adaptive Engine Transition Program, which produced prototype engines intended for the Lockheed Martin F-35. The Air Force ultimately chose a core upgrade to the existing Pratt & Whitney F135 engine instead, citing cost concerns, but manufacturers say that research informed the current designs. GE officials said they expect the Air Force to award funding for the next phase of NGAP development later this year.

Source: Flightglobal
Associated URL: https://www.flightglobal.com/archive/2026/05/us-engine-makers-advance-designs-for-sixth-generation-fighter-propulsion/
Author: Ryan Finnerty 

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. - The bankruptcy and grounding of Spirit Airlines could provide modest relief to a long-running shortage of Pratt & Whitney Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines used to power late-model Airbus A320neo jets.

Spirit ceased all operations May 1, leaving its all-Airbus fleet of 114 aircraft, including dozens powered by GTF engines that can now be removed for use by other airlines. Industry executives say the spare engines being stripped from Spirit's planes are already being leased out to airlines, offering some temporary breathing room in a market that has been severely strained for years by inspection backlogs and manufacturing problems at Pratt & Whitney.

GTF engines power at least 40% of A320neos in service, and hundreds of those planes have been grounded due to long waits for engine repairs. Austin Willis, CEO of Willis Lease Finance Corp., confirmed that GTF engines from Spirit's A320s are being removed and leased to customers to support grounded aircraft. He also noted leasing rates have not declined for the engines, suggesting demand still outpaces supply.

Aftermarket suppliers say there is strong appetite for the spare engines, along with auxiliary power units, landing gear and flight controls, though the bulk of Spirit's assets are unlikely to reach the market for at least several more months.

Source: Reuters
Associated URL: https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/spirit-airlines-grounding-could-help-ease-shortages-tight-engine-market-2026-05-08/
Author: Allison Lampert