Key Highlights
- Collins Aerospace has initiated preliminary testing of electric motor drive systems for the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative
- The evaluation is being conducted at Collins’ specialized electric power systems facility, “The Grid,” located in Rockford, Illinois
- Engineering teams are assessing motor generators, control electronics, and power distribution components
- Future plans include integration with a Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator unit
- Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney operate as divisions within RTX
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business division, has commenced laboratory evaluation of electric motor drive systems under the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative. The program aims to advance hybrid-electric propulsion technology for next-generation commercial aircraft.
The evaluation phase is being conducted at Collins’ Rockford, Illinois facility, which houses specialized electric power systems infrastructure referred to as “The Grid.” This dedicated laboratory was designed specifically for high-voltage, complex systems testing.
At the facility, engineering teams are conducting comprehensive assessments of hybrid-electric powertrain components. These include motor generators, control systems, and power distribution infrastructure.
This testing phase represents the preliminary stage of a more extensive development roadmap.
Future Integration With Pratt & Whitney GTF Technology
The subsequent development phase will involve integrating the hybrid-electric powertrain subsystem with a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator. This integration work has not yet commenced.
Both Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney function as business units within RTX, positioning the company as a central player in multiple technology workstreams within the SWITCH initiative.
The Clean Aviation SWITCH program represents an EU-funded research effort aimed at advancing hybrid-electric propulsion technologies to reduce emissions in commercial aviation.
Collins Aerospace has not provided specific details regarding the timeline for the GTF integration phase. The ongoing Rockford testing marks the first publicly confirmed achievement under the program.
Testing Scope and Components
The powertrain components currently undergoing assessment include motor generators — dual-function units capable of operating as both electric motors and generators. These work in conjunction with control electronics that regulate power distribution.
Power distribution hardware is also part of the testing regime. This equipment channels electrical energy throughout the system and plays a vital role in hybrid propulsion architectures.
“The Grid” testing facility possesses the capability to simulate electrical loads consistent with aircraft-scale hybrid systems. Collins developed this infrastructure expressly for electric power systems research and development.
RTX has not released information regarding financial arrangements associated with the SWITCH program contract. EU Clean Aviation operates as a public-private partnership, with industry participants generally contributing costs alongside European Union funding.
Collins Aerospace made the testing announcement on Monday, March 16. Additional program milestones have not been made public at this juncture.
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