EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (Sept. 18, 2025) – Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, has entered into an agreement with PBS Group, headquartered in Prague, to develop a next-generation auxiliary power unit (APU) for commercial and military applications, such as fighters, rotorcraft, and business jets. The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic and the Minister for Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.
The cooperation was established through the initiative and support of the Industrial Cooperation Section of the Ministry of Defense, which has long been assisting in the implementation of key projects and connecting domestic and international partners with the aim of strengthening the innovative potential of 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.
APUs are compact engines that start the main engine and provide electrical power and compressed air to support aircraft systems – such as air for cabin temperature control, powering and cooling for avionics and emergency power to re-start the main engines in-flight. “PBS is one of only four companies in the world authorized to develop and certify civil APUs. Our goal is to develop a new generation of APUs – smaller, lighter, and more powerful – that will bring new capabilities to both military and commercial aviation,” said Milan Macholán, CEO of PBS Velká Bíteš.
The next-generation APU is projected to have the highest power density on the market, delivering maximum performance at a reduced form factor and weight, driving new capabilities for fixed-wing and helicopter platforms. “The new generation of aircraft needs a new generation of APUs – more compact, more powerful, and lighter,” added Steven Michael Shepro, Vice President of Pratt & Whitney.