The U.S. Air Force's Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA) program, aimed at replacing the MQ-9 drone, is progressing with industry proposals primarily utilizing Honeywell Aerospace's TPE331 engines. Honeywell advocates for the early issuance of contracts for engine long-lead procurement, emphasizing that such measures can accelerate aircraft deployment and infrastructure readiness.
Matt Milas, Honeywell's President of defense and space, highlighted the potential advantages of government-furnished engines, which could lower costs and enhance manufacturing capacity. Several competitors, including General Atomics and Swarm Aero, have proposed MMA designs incorporating Honeywell’s TPE331, a reliable and well-established turboprop engine used in existing unmanned systems.
The Air Force intends to field 100 MMA units by 2029 and total 500 units by 2032, necessitating rapid industry response and secure funding streams. Honeywell is also developing the 1500 series engine, which offers increased power with minimal modifications to existing platforms, promising greater range and capabilities for future unmanned aircraft.
This collaborative effort underscores the importance of early procurement to ensure the supply chain and manufacturing capacity are aligned with future demands. The initiative represents a strategic move to modernize and expand unmanned systems for U.S. military operations, emphasizing timely industry-government engagement.
