Pratt & Whitney, an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, proudly marks a century of excellence in aviation, commemorating 100 years since its founding in 1925. The milestone celebrates the company’s enduring legacy of innovation, beginning with the revolutionary R-1340 Wasp radial engine that transformed both military and commercial aviation.

The company’s journey took flight under the vision of Frederick B. Rentschler, who introduced a lightweight, air-cooled radial engine that gained early acclaim with the U.S. Navy. By 1926, the Navy ordered 200 engines, laying the groundwork for Pratt & Whitney’s rapid rise. Its Wasp engines powered hundreds of aircraft through the 20th century, playing a key role in Allied success during World War II, where over 363,000 engines were produced during the war effort.

Adapting with the times, Pratt & Whitney pioneered jet propulsion with the J57 engine, used in iconic aircraft like the Boeing B-52 and commercial jets such as the Boeing 707 and DC-8, ushering in a new era of flight and innovation.

Today, Pratt & Whitney powers over 90,000 engines in service globally. Its GTFTM engine is renowned for its fuel efficiency, used by more than 85 airlines operating the Airbus A220, A320neo, and Embraer E2 jets. The F135 engine powers the advanced Lockheed Martin F-35 fighter jet, while its Canadian arm leads the development of engines for business and general aviation, including the PT6 and PW127XT.

Pratt & Whitney’s legacy continues with forward-looking investments in next-generation technologies including hybrid-electric, hydrogen-based, rotating detonation, and adaptive propulsion systems.

“Since our founding, we’ve upheld the mission of building the most dependable engines in aerospace,” said Shane Eddy, President of Pratt & Whitney. “Our 45,000-strong global team lives by our commitment to innovation, safety, and excellence.”

In India, Pratt & Whitney has played a pivotal role for over seven decades, contributing to commercial and defense aviation. Engines like the JT3D and JT9D ushered in India's jet age, while today, the IAE V2500, GTF, and PW127 power numerous aircraft flying across the country. The Indian Air Force relies on Pratt & Whitney propulsion systems for platforms like the C-17 Globemaster III and C-295.

“Our India story is an integral part of our 100-year journey,” said Ashish Saraf, Vice President & Country Head, Pratt & Whitney India. “India continues to play a strategic role in our engineering, digital, and supply chain growth.”

To mark the centennial, Pratt & Whitney is engaging employees through a travelling exhibit that will visit 11 locations globally, including its India Customer Training Center in Hyderabad. The celebration also includes a digital version of the exhibit and a historical marker at the original headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut.

As Pratt & Whitney celebrates a century in flight, its commitment to powering progress and innovation across the skies remains stronger than ever.