Pratt & Whitney has entered into an agreement with PBS Group, headquartered in Prague, to develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit (APU) for commercial and military applications, such as fighters, rotorcraft, and business jets.
The cooperation was established through the initiative and support of the Industrial Cooperation Section of the Ministry of Defense, which has long been assisting in the implementation of key projects and connecting domestic and international partners with the aim of strengthening the innovative potential of the Czech defense industry.
“PBS Group is a unique company both in the Czech Republic and globally. Its cooperation with RTX, one of the largest companies in the defense industry, is not only proof of PBS’s capabilities, but also a testament to the strength of Czech industry as a whole. The project between PBS and Pratt & Whitney will significantly increase the competence and capacity of Czech industry, which is essential for ensuring security of supply in crisis situations,” said Radka Konderlová, Director General For Industrial Cooperation at the Czech Ministry of Defense & Armed Forces.
APUs are compact engines that start the main engine and provide electrical power and compressed air to support aircraft systems – such as air for cabin temperature control, powering and cooling for avionics and emergency power to re-start the main engines in-flight. The next-generation APU is projected to have the highest power density on the market, delivering maximum performance at a reduced form factor and weight, driving new capabilities for fixed-wing and helicopter platforms.
“Advanced APUs are essential for both defense and commercial aviation, delivering the reliable, efficient power needed to keep aircraft mission-ready on the ground and optimized for performance in the air,” said Jessica Villardi, vice president of Fighter and Mobility Programs at Pratt & Whitney.
The next-generation APU is designed to be significantly smaller and lighter than traditional APUs in the same power class and capable of rapidly starting and operating at high altitudes. This will enable new aircraft design opportunities and additional capabilities across military and commercial applications, including additional electrical power, enhanced thermal management and electronic warfare technologies.
“There are only four companies in the world that are authorized to develop and certify civil APUs. PBS Velká Bíteš, a member of the PBS GROUP, is one of them – and that is why we are now joining forces with one of the most important players in the field to jointly develop a new generation of APUs. We are leveraging the best of our know-how and that of our collaborator to advance the technological capabilities of APUs for future civil and defense projects,” said Milan Macholán, CEO of PBS Velká Bíteš.
