TJ150 Turbojet Engines Selected for AGM-190A Cruise Missile

A follow-on contract between Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, and Leidos Dynetics covers the supply of TJ150 turbojet engines for the AGM-190A small cruise missile. The cooperation focuses on integrating compact propulsion technology into an effector platform designed for autonomous strike systems and defense applications.

Context of the Cooperation
Pratt & Whitney develops and manufactures aircraft propulsion systems, including compact turbojet engines for missile and unmanned platforms. Leidos Dynetics, a subsidiary of Leidos, designs and integrates advanced defense systems, including guided weapons and effectors.

The cooperation addresses propulsion requirements for small cruise missiles used in modern defense architectures. Such systems require engines that provide sufficient thrust while maintaining compact dimensions, production scalability, and compatibility with autonomous navigation and guidance systems.

Missile propulsion systems must also support reliable operation at varying altitudes and under demanding thermal and aerodynamic conditions. Integrating propulsion, guidance, and structural components requires coordination between propulsion manufacturers and missile system integrators.

Technical Solution and Responsibilities
Under the agreement, Pratt & Whitney supplies the TJ150 turbojet engine, a compact propulsion unit designed for small autonomous vehicles and missile platforms.

The TJ150 produces more than 150 pounds of thrust and is optimized for operation at higher altitudes where reduced air density affects propulsion performance. The engine’s compact design enables integration into small cruise missiles while maintaining adequate thrust-to-weight characteristics.

Pratt & Whitney is responsible for engine manufacturing, propulsion system performance validation, and production scalability. Leidos Dynetics integrates the propulsion system into the AGM-190A small cruise missile, including airframe integration, control system compatibility, and overall platform performance.

The propulsion architecture supports rapid manufacturing and scalable production. Pratt & Whitney is also incorporating additive manufacturing techniques into TJ150 development engines, enabling faster design iteration, supply-chain flexibility, and potential reductions in component lead times.

Deployment and Integration
The TJ150 engine will power the AGM-190A missile, which functions as a small cruise missile effector within defense systems. Integration involves ensuring compatibility between the turbojet propulsion system, missile airframe, guidance electronics, and onboard fuel systems.

System integration typically requires verification of aerodynamic performance, vibration tolerance, thermal management, and engine start reliability within the missile’s operational envelope.

Applications and Use Cases
Small cruise missiles equipped with compact turbojet engines are used in defense applications requiring long-range strike capability, autonomous navigation, and compatibility with distributed military systems.

Such platforms support missions including precision strike, stand-off engagement, and integration into networked defense architectures. Compact propulsion systems like the TJ150 enable these systems to maintain operational range and payload capacity within constrained airframe dimensions.

Results and Operational Impact
The TJ150 engine is already used in multiple missile applications, with more than 2,700 engines delivered globally. This operational base provides validated reliability and production experience that supports continued deployment.

Through this cooperation, Leidos Dynetics gains access to a propulsion system designed for scalable manufacturing and consistent thrust performance, while Pratt & Whitney expands the operational use of its compact turbojet technology in defense propulsion systems.

Edited by , Sucithra Mani — AI-powered.

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