RTX advances hybrid-electric aviation at The Grid

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has completed integrated lab testing for the European Union's Clean Aviation SWITCH project at The Grid, its advanced electric power systems lab in Rockford, Ill.

The tested hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems, which successfully operated with simulated aircraft and engine systems, are now headed to Airbus's laboratories for further aircraft level integration testing, including work on aircraft design, battery interfacing and energy-management systems.

“This is the largest integrated systems test conducted at The Grid since its opening in 2023,” said Kristin Smith, vice president of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace.

SWITCH aims to improve engine efficiency for future short- and medium-range aircraft by integrating hybrid-electric systems on a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine, including two Collins megawatt class motor generators and controllers.

Testing at The Grid was supported by Pratt & Whitney teams who performed powertrain system integration and supplied the hybrid-electric engine controller, and Airbus teams who supplied the interface controller to the aircraft energy-management system.

GKN Aerospace delivered the high-voltage wiring system.

Next, The Grid will support the Airbus-led LEIA (Large scalE Integration demonstrator of hybrid electrical Architecture) project, where Collins is technical lead for energy sources.

This Clean Aviation demonstrator advances components and aircraft systems for future hybrid-electric short- and medium-range aircraft, including high voltage generation and distribution.

Collins will deliver advanced aircraft electric system technologies, including four scalable electric motor/generators, next-generation electronic controllers, power distribution equipment, and cabin pressure and ventilation control systems to enhance reliability and passenger comfort.

The Nördlingen, Germany site will supply solid-state power controllers and power distribution panels to replace mechanical circuit breakers and relays boosting reliability and reducing weight.

LEIA testing will occur across several sites, including The Grid, with additional work at Collins' facilities in Toulouse, France; Frankfurt, Germany; Cork, Ireland; Rome, Italy; and Solihull, UK.

According to Pierre Durel, Project Officer at Clean Aviation, “SWITCH & LEIA are essential building blocks to make the hybrid-electric short- and medium-range aircraft become a reality: they show the power of collaboration within Europe and beyond.”

He adds that Clean Aviation is “very much looking forward to the results of the demonstration tests due to be carried out in 2027.”

Both SWITCH and LEIA build on the ongoing collaboration between Collins and several partners across multiple Clean Aviation projects, including HECATE and AWATAR, which advance electrification technologies for future regional and short-and-medium range aircraft.

Collins also contributes to Clean Aviation's newest ultra-efficient regional aircraft projects, including OSYRYS and PHARES.

MTU Aero Engines coordinates the SWITCH project.

About Collins Aerospace Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, provides advanced aerospace and defense solutions across avionics, aircraft interiors, aerostructures and engine components, mission systems, and power and control systems.

Our global employees are dedicated to innovative technologies to enhance aircraft performance, passenger comfort, operational safety and reliability.

About RTX With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world.

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