GE Aerospace has secured a US Air Force contract to advance development of its GE426 engine for the medium-thrust-class Autonomous Collaborative Platform program.
GE Aerospace has secured a US Air Force contract to advance development of its GE426 engine for the medium-thrust-class Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) program.
ACP is a broad category of uncrewed military aircraft designed for various airborne missions, including the Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) that will operate as loyal drone wingmen for piloted jets.
Under the contract, the company will complete the next-generation propulsion prototype’s preliminary design review and further refine its capability, producibility, and cost in line with the air force’s requirements.
The award follows GE Aerospace’s successful concept design review of the GE426 in August 2025, which validated the engine’s architecture and advanced its design.
“We’ve proven we can rapidly move from concept to engine demonstration with the GEK800,” said Steve Russell, VP and General Manager of Edison Works at GE Aerospace, referring to the small, affordable engine for CCAs and cruise missiles unveiled in 2024.
“Our focus now is on applying that process to the GE426 to ensure it provides the performance, affordability, and readiness the warfighter needs,” he added.
GE Aerospace Engines
In February, the air force also contracted GE Aerospace and Kratos Defense & Security Solutions to design the GEK1500 expendable engine, building on the GEK800.
The American engine manufacturer also develops advanced engines for the service’s Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, which aims to develop more powerful, fuel-efficient, and flexible engines for future fighter jets.
