Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, has entered into a strategic agreement with PBS Group, headquartered in Prague, to co-develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit (APU) designed for both commercial and military aircraft, including fighters, rotorcraft and business jets.
The collaboration was initiated with the support of the Industrial Cooperation Section of the Czech Ministry of Defense, which plays a vital role in fostering partnerships between domestic and global defense leaders to strengthen innovation and resilience within 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.
Advancing APU Technology for Modern Aircraft
APUs are compact engines that play a critical role in aviation, powering essential systems by providing electricity, compressed air, and emergency backup capabilities. They support main engine starts, cabin temperature control, avionics cooling, and in-flight engine restarts.
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The new generation APU will feature the highest power density in the market, combining exceptional performance with a smaller, lighter form factor. This breakthrough design will deliver greater efficiency and open new opportunities for aircraft innovation across both fixed-wing and rotary 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. “This work with PBS underscores Pratt & Whitney’s commitment to our customers and our focus on developing next generation turbine technologies to support future industry needs.”
Expanding Capabilities for Future Aviation
The jointly developed APU is designed to operate efficiently at high altitudes, with rapid start capabilities, enhanced electrical power generation, and advanced thermal management. These innovations will support emerging requirements such as electronic warfare systems and expanded onboard technologies for next-generation aircraft.
“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.
Pratt & Whitney has been at the forefront of APU development for decades, leveraging its deep expertise in gas turbine engines to deliver reliable propulsion and power solutions. Similarly, PBS has been developing and manufacturing APUs since the 1970s, accumulating more than 50 years of end-to-end expertise from design and engineering through production, installation, and service.