Honeywell Presses Air Force for Early Contract in MMA Program
The US Air Force's Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program is gaining momentum, with several competitors emerging to replace the MQ-9. The notable commonality among these contenders is their use of Honeywell Aerospace's TPE331 engine.
Honeywell argues that the Air Force should expedite contract selection for the MMA program, citing an aggressive schedule to field the MQ-9 replacement by 2029 and 500 units by 2032. The company's president of defense and space, Matt Milas, suggests issuing a contract for engine long-lead procurement as a government-furnished equipment.
Milas emphasizes that the TPE331 engine is reliable and well-suited for the MMA program, given its size and scale. He notes that it fits within the 'sweet spot' of commercial capability, allowing Honeywell to leverage existing capacity in their factories.
Honeywell and the Air Force Research Laboratory are also developing an update to the TPE331 engine, called the 1500 series, which would increase power for greater range and capability. If adopted, this upgrade could be seamlessly integrated into existing platforms without significant modifications.