Defense & Military
Georgia Tech and PBS Aerospace Advance Small Turbojet Engines in Georgia
Georgia Tech and PBS Aerospace partner in Roswell for U.S.-based advanced manufacturing of small turbojet engines, boosting defense innovation and jobs.
Georgia Tech and PBS Aerospace Forge Alliance to Propel Next-Generation Defense Innovation
The landscape of modern warfare is undergoing a seismic shift. Gone are the days when sheer size and firepower were the sole determinants of military might. Today, the skies are increasingly populated by small, agile, and intelligent systems, drones, missiles, and interceptors that demand a new class of propulsion: lightweight, affordable, and highly efficient. This evolution calls for a transformation in defense manufacturing, one that prioritizes speed, adaptability, and precision. Answering this call, a powerful partnership has emerged in Georgia, positioning the state at the epicenter of this technological revolution.
The collaboration between the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech), a world-renowned research institution, and PBS Aerospace, a global leader in small turbojet engines, marks a pivotal moment for the U.S. defense industrial base. PBS Aerospace’s decision to establish its first U.S. headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility in Roswell, Georgia, was a strategic one, driven by the state’s burgeoning aerospace ecosystem, access to a high-tech talent pipeline, and proximity to Georgia Tech’s cutting-edge research capabilities. This alliance is not merely about building engines; it’s about architecting the future of defense technology and solidifying America’s role as a global leader in aerospace innovation.
A Strategic Partnership for National Security
The core of this collaboration lies in leveraging Georgia Tech’s academic and research excellence to advance PBS Aerospace’s proven small turbojet engine technology. These are not the massive engines of commercial airliners, but compact powerhouses, typically producing 100 to 200 pounds of thrust. They are the heart of the small, cost-effective drones and advanced cruise missiles that are redefining military strategy in conflicts across the globe. By focusing on these next-generation systems, the partnership directly addresses the evolving needs of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) for scalable and agile defense solutions.
The establishment of a U.S.-based manufacturing facility is a significant step toward strengthening the domestic defense industrial base. By bringing production to American soil, PBS Aerospace is drastically reducing reliance on international supply chains for critical defense components. The company has committed to having 99% of its supply chain based in the U.S., a move that enhances national security and ensures a more resilient and responsive manufacturing capability. This onshoring of production is crucial for maintaining a technological edge and ensuring the U.S. military has the tools it needs to meet any challenge.
The collaboration extends beyond manufacturing into active research and development. Even before the Roswell facility was fully operational, Georgia Tech faculty and students were already working with PBS engines in the Zinn Combustion Laboratory. Their research focuses on improving fuel efficiency, testing new materials, and optimizing engine performance. This hands-on, collaborative approach ensures that PBS engines remain at the cutting edge of propulsion technology, constantly evolving to meet the demands of the modern battlefield.
“This could be one of the largest expansions in domestic aerospace manufacturing in quite some time…Having that here in Georgia right now, with the talent and support to make it succeed, is amazing.” – Adam Steinberg, Professor in the School of Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech
Economic Impact and Workforce Development
The new PBS Aerospace facility in Roswell represents a significant economic investment in Georgia’s aerospace sector. The initial $20 million investment is just the beginning, with the parent company, PBS Group, planning an additional $90 million for further expansion of U.S. production capacity. This infusion of capital is projected to create over 100 specialized jobs in engineering, manufacturing, and operations, providing a substantial boost to the local economy. The plant itself has an ambitious goal: to produce thousands of small turbojet engines annually by 2026, with a potential capacity of up to 20,000 engines per year.
A key aspect of this initiative is its commitment to the nation’s veterans. A remarkable 71% of the technicians hired at the new facility will be U.S. military veterans. This focus not only provides valuable career opportunities for those who have served but also brings a wealth of real-world experience and discipline to the manufacturing floor. The proximity to technical colleges and Georgia Tech ensures a steady stream of skilled engineers and technicians, creating a robust talent pipeline to support the facility’s growth and innovation.
The project has received strong support from state and local leaders, who recognize its importance for both economic development and national security. The City of Roswell fast-tracked the permitting process, allowing construction to begin swiftly. This pro-business environment, combined with Georgia’s established aerospace infrastructure, creates a powerful synergy that attracts and nurtures high-tech manufacturing. The partnership is a testament to a broader strategy to position Georgia as a leader in the technologies that will define the future of defense.
A New Era for Aerospace Manufacturing
The alliance between Georgia Tech and PBS Aerospace is more than just a business venture; it represents a new model for defense innovation. By integrating world-class research directly with advanced manufacturing, the partnership accelerates the development and deployment of critical technologies. The engines produced in Roswell are already combat-proven at Technology Readiness Level 9, the highest level of technological maturity, making them ready for immediate integration into mission-critical systems for the DoD.
As the nature of conflict continues to evolve, the demand for small, intelligent, and scalable aerial systems will only grow. This collaboration ensures that the United States is not just a consumer of this technology, but a primary driver of its innovation and production. By fostering a domestic ecosystem of research, development, and manufacturing, Georgia is helping to secure the nation’s technological leadership and provide its military with the advanced capabilities needed to ensure success on any future battlefield.
FAQ
Question: What is the main focus of the partnership between Georgia Tech and PBS Aerospace?
Answer: The partnership is focused on advancing and producing lightweight, affordable, and highly efficient small turbojet engines for next-generation defense systems like drones, missiles, and interceptors. It combines Georgia Tech’s research expertise with PBS Aerospace’s manufacturing capabilities.
Question: Where is the new PBS Aerospace facility located?
Answer: The new U.S. headquarters and advanced manufacturing facility is located at 1350 Northmeadow Parkway, Suite 130, in Roswell, Georgia.
Question: What is the economic impact of this new facility?
Answer: The initial investment is $20 million, with plans for an additional $90 million. The facility is expected to create over 100 specialized jobs and aims to produce thousands of engines annually by 2026.
Sources: Georgia Tech News Center
Photo Credit: Georgia Tech
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Shield AI Complete X-BAT Engine Test
GE Aerospace and Shield AI complete AVEN thrust-vectoring nozzle testing on the F110-GE-129E, keeping X-BAT on track for late 2026 first flight.
GE Aerospace and Shield AI have successfully completed integration, actuation, and engine light-off testing of a multi-axis thrust-vectoring nozzle on an F110-GE-129E engine, clearing a major propulsion hurdle for the X-BAT vertical take-off and landing combat aircraft.
Announced in a July 20, 2026, press release, the testing took place at GE Aerospace’s operations site in Peebles, Ohio. The campaign represents the first fully integrated test of the Axisymmetric Vectoring Exhaust Nozzle (AVEN) hardware and control systems since its original development in the 1990s. The successful light-off keeps the X-BAT program on schedule for a planned first flight in late 2026.
Resurrecting thrust vectoring for vertical flight
The AVEN system pivots engine exhaust in three dimensions, providing the precise directional control required for the aircraft to balance on its tailpipe during vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) maneuvers. Originally designed in the 1990s, the AVEN program accumulated 73 hours of ground testing and 135 flight hours across 95 flights on an experimental F-16 before being shelved.
Shield AI and GE Aerospace are now adapting that legacy hardware to meet the demands of modern autonomous flight. The integration requires the nozzle to execute rapid, coordinated movement sequences driven by Shield AI’s flight control software.
“The AVEN is what makes vertical flight possible on a platform this size and this capable. We’re applying it differently than it was ever used before. Vertical flight requires fast gimbaling to maintain attitude control, a demand the original program never had to meet,” said Armor Harris, Senior Vice President of Aircraft Engineering at Shield AI.
Harris noted that utilizing hardware with a proven track record allowed the engineering teams to bypass the initial stages of clean-sheet development. The next phase of the program will focus on iterating the propulsion approach to reduce weight and increase speed for future variants.
Scaling the X-BAT for contested environments
Shield AI unveiled the X-BAT in Washington, D.C., on October 21, 2025. The aircraft is designed as a Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) capable of operating independently or as a drone wingman in contested airspace. By November 5, 2025, Shield AI and GE Aerospace had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the platform’s propulsion, selecting the F110-GE-129 engine paired with the AVEN system.
The aircraft relies on Shield AI’s Hivemind autonomy software to conduct missions without traditional runway infrastructure. According to reporting by Tectonic Defense, the X-BAT measures 26 feet in length and features a 39-foot wingspan. Naval News estimates the platform will achieve a range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles and an operational ceiling of 50,000 feet, positioning it for both austere land bases and potential naval integration.
Amy Gowder, President and CEO of Defense & Systems at GE Aerospace, stated that pairing the company’s propulsion scaling experience with Shield AI’s vehicle development allows the program to move rapidly from concept to fielded capability.
AirPro News analysis
We view the successful light-off of the AVEN-equipped F110 as a validation of Shield AI’s strategy to integrate mature subsystems rather than developing bespoke hardware. The GE Aerospace F110 engine family has accumulated 11 million flight hours. By pairing a highly reliable, mass-produced core engine with a previously flight-tested 3D vectoring nozzle, the X-BAT program significantly reduces its technical risk profile.
The primary challenge moving forward will be software integration. While the AVEN hardware is proven, the 1990s-era actuators were not designed for the continuous, high-frequency gimbaling required to stabilize a tail-sitting VTOL aircraft in turbulent conditions. Shield AI’s Hivemind system will need to manage these actuation limits carefully to prevent mechanical fatigue while maintaining attitude control during the critical transition between vertical and forward flight.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
Defense & Military
Pratt Whitney Completes 3D-Printed TJ150 Turbojet Demo Test
Pratt & Whitney validates additive manufacturing for the TJ150, consolidating 50+ hot section parts into 3D-printed components.
Pratt & Whitney has successfully completed demonstration testing of an additively manufactured TJ150 turbojet engine, a process that consolidated more than 50 individual hot section components into a small number of 3D-printed parts.
The RTX Corporation subsidiary announced the milestone on July 20, 2026, during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. The test results validate the manufacturer’s strategy to use additive manufacturing to simplify design and accelerate production for expendable military propulsion systems.
Consolidating hot section components
According to the press release, nearly 60 percent of the TJ150 engine’s volume was produced using additive manufacturing. This volume includes major static and rotating hardware. By utilizing 3D printing technologies, engineers reduced the complexity of the engine’s hot section and replaced over 50 traditional parts with a handful of consolidated components.
The TJ150 is a 150-pound thrust class turbojet designed for single-use applications.
“For expendable engines like the TJ150, where missions can last minutes or hours, simplifying the design and scaling production quickly is essential to meeting rising demand,” said Jill Albertelli, President of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney.
Integration with cruise missiles and decoys
The successful demonstration of the 3D-printed TJ150 follows recent contract awards and integration announcements for the engine platform. On March 10, 2026, Pratt & Whitney secured a follow-on contract from Leidos Dynetics to supply TJ150 engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile.
In a separate announcement on July 15, 2026, Raytheon confirmed plans to prioritize the TJ150 engine for the initial production of the Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD). Raytheon noted that utilizing the existing engine platform keeps restart timelines short while the company explores additively manufactured engines for longer-term opportunities.
Expanding additive manufacturing applications
Pratt & Whitney plans to apply the manufacturing techniques validated during the TJ150 demonstration to other propulsion programs. Albertelli stated that additive manufacturing helps the company move designs from concept to capability faster. She confirmed that the manufacturer is leveraging the TJ150 learnings to benefit other systems, including the Pratt & Whitney Valox engine family.
AirPro News analysis
The successful test of a heavily 3D-printed TJ150 highlights a critical shift in defense aerospace manufacturing. As military operators demand higher volumes of autonomous systems, decoys, and tactical missiles, traditional supply chains for small turbine engines face significant bottlenecks. Casting and machining conventional hot-section components requires extensive tooling and long lead times. By consolidating dozens of parts into a few additively manufactured pieces, we see manufacturers directly addressing the need for rapid scalability.
Expendable engines operate for very short durations, meaning they do not require the same long-term durability as commercial or manned military turbofans. This specific operational profile makes them ideal candidates for additive manufacturing, allowing producers to prioritize production speed and cost reduction over thousands of hours of time-on-wing reliability.
Photo Credit: RTX
Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and Magellan Sign F414 MRO MOU for Canada
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace signed an MOU at Farnborough to establish a Canadian F414 engine MRO center if Canada selects the Gripen E.
GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on July 22, 2026, at the Farnborough International Airshow to establish a Canadian MRO center for the F414-GE-39E engine. The agreement is entirely contingent on the Government of Canada selecting the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E for its future fighter fleet.
Announced in a GE Aerospace press release, the proposed MRO work would take place at Magellan’s facility in Mississauga, Ontario. The partnership aims to position Magellan as Canada’s domestic center of excellence for F414 engine sustainment, guaranteeing sovereign support capabilities for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) if the Gripen E is acquired.
Industrial offsets and the Gripen E campaign
The MOU represents a calculated component of a broader industrial offset campaign by Saab AB and its suppliers to secure a portion of Canada’s fighter procurement contract. The Canadian government is currently reviewing its fighter jet strategy. While Ottawa previously committed to purchasing a fleet of 88 Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II Military-Aircraft, the government is evaluating a potential mixed fleet that could include domestically built Gripen E fighters.
To strengthen the Gripen’s bid, Saab has been securing agreements with Canadian aerospace firms to promise domestic job creation and technology transfer. This engine sustainment agreement follows a similar MOU signed on July 17, 2026, between Saab and Canadian aviation training firm CAE Inc. to cooperate on advanced fighter pilot Training.
Engine sustainment and domestic capabilities
The F414 engine family has accumulated more than 5 million flight hours globally. The new agreement builds on a 60-year working relationship between GE Aerospace and Magellan Aerospace Corporation.
Paul Ferraro, Vice President of Defense Engines & Services at GE Aerospace, stated that the agreement spans both military and commercial engines and will ensure the RCAF has in-country access to sustainment services to maintain F414 readiness.
Haydn Martin, Vice President of Business Development, Marketing, and Contracts at Magellan Aerospace Corporation, emphasized the operational benefits of the proposed partnership.
“Should the Saab JAS 39 Gripen E aircraft be selected, Magellan Aerospace will be ready to provide world-class engine maintenance, repair and overhaul services that enhance operational readiness for the Royal Canadian Air Force while maintaining highly skilled Canadian jobs, developing advanced technical expertise, and strengthening Canada’s long-term defence industrial capacity,” Martin said.
AirPro News analysis
We view this MOU as a clear signal that the competition for Canada’s fighter fleet remains highly active despite the initial F-35A selection. By lining up domestic heavyweights like Magellan and CAE, Saab is directly addressing Ottawa’s stringent Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy requirements. If the Government of Canada opts for a mixed fleet, establishing sovereign MRO capabilities for the F414 engine will be a critical factor in mitigating supply chain risks and ensuring RCAF operational independence. Until a formal procurement decision is finalized, these agreements remain strategic positioning rather than guaranteed Contracts.
Sources: GE Aerospace
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace
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