RTX’s Pratt & Whitney has authorized Hermeus to manufacture the F100-PW-229 turbofan engine under a newly granted production license. The Georgia-based aerospace company becomes the first separate US industrial firm to receive a license to build the fighter powerplant. The partnership is intended to add another manufacturing source for the F100-PW-229, helping the US expand domestic engine production capacity in response to increasing demand from the armed forces. The engine is used on major combat aircraft including the F-15 and F-16. Hermeus will apply its rapid-production manufacturing model to the engine programme. Beyond supplying the defence sector, the company expects the manufacturing arrangement to support its Quarterhorse high-speed unmanned aerial system, which remains under development. The F100-PW-229 will also play a role in the development of Hermeus’ Chimera hybrid propulsion system. The company is developing Chimera as part of its longer-term effort to achieve hypersonic flight capabilities. Production activities will initially be conducted at Hermeus’ existing manufacturing plants. Full-rate manufacturing is expected to be established in line with future customer demand and programme requirements.
