Honeywell revealed the HON1600, a small-thrust-class engine designed for collaborative combat aircraft (CCA) and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) platforms, at the Air, Space & Cyber Conference, hosted by the Air & Space Forces Association in Washington, D.C.

The HON1600 meets all key mission requirements, including altitude capability up to 40,000 feet, strong G-level performance and the ability to pursue manoeuvring targets. The U.S. Air Force’s CCA programme is intended to test and advance autonomous and manned-unmanned teaming concepts.

Honeywell developed the HON1600 using a design approach intended to go “from model to metal” quickly. Many of its components can be additively manufactured or produced with high-volume methods such as metal injection moulding, which supports both rapid output and supply chain resilience.

“We’ve designed this engine to meet the new generation of CCA and UAS platforms that require unprecedented performance to keep pace with mission demands. Our propulsion system is based on proven and tested technology in use today, plus the latest advancements in digital modeling and manufacturing, to enable a cost-effective and efficient solution for military operators,” says Dave Marinick, president, Engines and Power Systems, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies.

The engine’s architecture allows for either turbojet or turbofan variants ranging from 800-to-1600 pounds of thrust, with scalability for greater output if needed. The core engine has been demonstrated at rated thrust. Honeywell says its digital modelling and systems engineering approach enables faster design, smoother integration and more accurate evaluation at the air vehicle level. The engine family also supports extended storage before use.