Pratt & Whitney and GE complete design reviews for USAF NGAP program

On February 19, both companies announced they had completed DDRs based on complex computer models. Jill Albertelli, President of Pratt & Whitney's Military Engines business, stated: "The significance of this first fully digital review cannot be understated. Digital processes throughout the lifecycle are crucial to rapidly and efficiently deliver advanced warfighter capabilities."

General Electric's Dr. Steve “Doogie” Russell highlighted that "XA102 is the first engine in GE Aerospace’s history to be developed using model-based systems engineering (MBSE)." He added that this approach would continue as they move into procurement and build phases.

Chris Flynn from Pratt & Whitney emphasized propulsion as a key differentiator for U.S. military capabilities: “For decades, propulsion has been a key differentiator for the United States." David Tweedie from GE Edison Works echoed this sentiment at an industry conference: “What they don’t have today is an advantage in capability and propulsion capability."

As these engines move toward full-scale demonstration later this decade, maintaining American airpower superiority remains a priority.