#United States #Hybrid-Electric #Rockford #Collins Aerospace #Clean Aviation

Collins Aerospace Innovates in Hybrid-Electric Aviation

At the recent Farnborough International Air Show, Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, unveiled groundbreaking advancements in hybrid-electric aviation technology. The company has successfully completed integrated lab testing as part of the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH project at its state-of-the-art lab known as The Grid, located in Rockford, Illinois. This significant achievement is poised to contribute meaningfully to the future of sustainable aviation.

The lab testing saw the hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems operating smoothly alongside simulated aircraft and engine systems. Following this success, these systems are set to be transferred to Airbus's labs for further integration testing related to aircraft design, battery interfaces, and energy-management systems. According to Kristin Smith, Collins Aerospace's Vice President of Electric Power Systems, this represents the most substantial integrated systems test conducted at The Grid since its establishment in 2023.

"By combining our technology expertise with deep industry collaboration, we are demonstrating how hybrid-electric systems can significantly reduce fuel consumption for next-generation aircraft," Smith stated at the event.

SWITCH Project Goals

The SWITCH initiative aims to enhance engine efficiency for future short- and medium-range aircraft through the integration of hybrid-electric systems onto a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine. This includes incorporating two megawatt class motor generators and controllers provided by Collins. The success of SWITCH involves collaborative efforts, notably including Pratt & Whitney teams that facilitated powertrain system integration and supplied the hybrid-electric engine controller. Additionally, Airbus teams contributed to the interface controller tied to the aircraft's energy-management system while GKN Aerospace provided the high-voltage wiring systems required for the tests.

Looking ahead, The Grid will also play a crucial role in the Airbus-led LEIA (Large Scale Integration Demonstrator of Hybrid Electrical Architecture) project, where Collins is the technical lead for energy sources. This innovative Clean Aviation demonstrator aims to advance components and aircraft systems necessary for achieving hybrid-electric capabilities in short- and medium-range aircraft, focusing on high-voltage generation and distribution systems.

Collins will be providing several advanced aircraft electric system technologies for the LEIA project, including four scalable electric motor/generators, upgraded electronic controllers, power distribution equipment, and systems for cabin pressure and ventilation, all intended to increase reliability and enhance passenger comfort. The Nördlingen, Germany site will supply solid-state power controllers and distribution panels, which are set to replace traditional mechanical circuit breakers and relays, thus improving reliability while reducing overall weight.

LEIA testing will occur across multiple geographical sites, including The Grid, Collins' facilities in Toulouse, France; Frankfurt, Germany; Cork, Ireland; Rome, Italy; and Solihull, UK.

Importance of Collaboration

Pierre Durel, Project Officer at Clean Aviation, highlighted the significance of these initiatives, stating, "SWITCH and 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." Durel expressed eagerness for the results from the demonstration tests scheduled to occur in 2027.

Both the SWITCH and LEIA projects reflect Collins Aerospace's ongoing collaboration with over 40 partners involved in numerous Clean Aviation initiatives, further emphasizing the critical role of electrification technologies in developing future regional and short- to medium-range aircraft.

Collins Aerospace and RTX Profile

Collins Aerospace is committed to providing cutting-edge aerospace and defense solutions, spanning avionics, aircraft interiors, aerostructures and engine components, mission systems, and power/control systems. As a division of RTX, which employs over 180,000 individuals globally, the company continually pushes the boundaries of technology and innovation in aviation and defense. With sales exceeding $88 billion in 2025, RTX works tirelessly to redefine standards in this crucial industry, delivering integrated defense systems and next-generation technology solutions to meet the various demands of clients worldwide.

The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking steers Europe toward a sustainable aviation future, serving as a public-private partnership between the European Commission and the aviation industry. Through this collaboration, they aim to achieve at least a 30% reduction in emissions from regional and short-medium range aircraft compared to the industry's standard established in 2020, continuing to build on the achievements of earlier Clean Sky programs.

In conclusion, Collins Aerospace is at the forefront of hybrid-electric aviation innovations that not only promise to enhance aircraft efficiency and reduce fuel consumption but also underscore the importance of collaboration in achieving a sustainable aviation future.