Pratt & Whitney - 100 Years of Powering the Future

For over a century, Pratt & Whitney has been at the forefront of aviation innovation, significantly influencing the evolution of flight. Their history is characterised by perseverance and commitment, from developing revolutionary engines in the early 1900s to introducing cutting-edge technology that powers today's skies. With more than 90,000 engines in operation globally, the company is dedicated to connecting people, enhancing economies, and safeguarding freedom. Every second, a Pratt & Whitney-powered aircraft takes off or lands somewhere in the world.

In 1925, Frederick B. Rentschler established the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company, marking a significant advancement in the field of aviation. As an innovator in air-cooled radial engine design, Rentschler contributed to achieving an exceptional power-to-weight ratio. The company's inaugural engine, the R-1340 Wasp, revolutionised both military and commercial aviation and remains operational to this day. By 1928, the company expanded its operations to Canada.

“The best aeroplane could only be designed around the best engine.” -Frederick Rentschler, founder, Pratt & Whitney

In 1944, Pratt & Whitney entered the field of gas turbines and jet propulsion, establishing a wind tunnel, laboratory, and engineering centre to support efforts during World War II. By 1945, the company had produced over 300,000 engines, renowned for their exceptional reliability—a legacy that continues to this day.

Pratt & Whitney J-58

Subsequently, they continued to design and innovate, developing engines that are more powerful, agile, and reliable, establishing themselves as a prominent name in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has over 90,000 engines in operation and approximately 17,000 customers worldwide.

APratt & Whitney Boeing 747SP Testbed

This centennial isn’t just a milestone for them—it’s a launchpad. Pratt & Whitney’s amazing history is now part of something bigger: the future of the RTX enterprise. Together as RTX, they’re set to redefine what’s possible in aerospace and defence.

Pratt & Whitney's F100 Engine

The PT6A engine series is a hallmark of success for Pratt & Whitney, recognized as the most renowned in its category. This achievement is one of the company's most significant. The expertise gained from the PT6A has facilitated the development of numerous engine families, solidifying Pratt & Whitney's position as a global leader in the gas turbine engine industry.

The following video tribute honours Army Air Corps Lt. Edwin Cottrell, a WWII pilot who credited the Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine in his P-47 Thunderbolt for his survival on a crucial mission. Ed passed away five weeks after filming. His incredible life is a testament to their purpose: 100 years of connecting people, growing economies, and powering freedom. Ed’s legacy fuels their journey into the next century.

The past 100 years belong to those bold enough to make it happen—the people of Pratt & Whitney. A century of triumphs, challenges, and world-changing impacts wouldn’t have been possible without generations of innovators, visionaries, and engineers turning ideas into reality.

Pratt & Whitney's accomplishments serve as the foundation for RTX as they innovate for the future. Each technological advancement, from the groundbreaking GTF engine to innovations in hybrid-electric flight and improved mission-critical capabilities for service members, represents an opportunity to leverage their collective expertise to propel progress.