GE Aerospace secured a U.S. Air Force contract to advance the preliminary design of the GE426 engine. This propulsion system powers the next generation of autonomous combat aircraft, known as drone wingmen. The award establishes GE as a primary contender for unmanned military platforms operating alongside crewed fighters.
This development supports the Air Force’s Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) program. The initiative aims to cultivate multiple engine suppliers to ensure a diverse and adaptable fleet.
GE also announced the successful use of a custom generative AI application for engine design. The tool reduced design cycles for a hypersonic dual-mode ramjet from months to seconds.