Collins Aerospace Launches Engineering Center of Excellence in the UK to Innovate Aircraft Systems

Collins Aerospace's New Epicenter for Aircraft Innovation

In a significant development for the aerospace sector, Collins Aerospace, a branch of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has announced the operational launch of its Engineering Center of Excellence (CoE) located in Wolverhampton, England. This center is poised to advance the next generation of electric thrust reverser actuation systems, also known as elecTRAS™. The Innovation Center features a state-of-the-art, modular, and scalable testing facility specifically designed to enhance innovation in the design, testing, and certification of aircraft actuation systems.

Transforming Aircraft Systems

The innovative technology behind elecTRAS is not just about improving existing systems, but about rethinking the entirety of aircraft actuation paradigms. By removing hydraulic interfaces and fluids, elecTRAS promotes a streamlined solution that can significantly reduce nacelle actuation weight by about 15-20% at the integrated aircraft system level. This marks a substantial stride towards more electric aircraft systems, which aligns with the evolving objectives of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

Wolverhampton's advanced testing facility can replicate real-world conditions for various aircraft components, actuators, subsystems, and entire systems. Early-stage test results, integral to system analysis, enable engineers to identify and address potential issues promptly, thus minimizing delays and paving the way for scalable designs suitable for future applications.

Commitment to Innovation

Ajay Mahajan, president of Advanced Structures at Collins Aerospace, expressed pride in this new facility, stating, "Our Engineering Center of Excellence reflects RTX's dedication to providing innovative, efficient, and cost-effective solutions for the aerospace industry." The modular approach not only supports the industry's transition to more electric systems but also enhances fuel efficiency, operational performance, and maintenance efficiency.

The Wolverhampton facility’s testing capabilities are extensive, stretching from modular components to fully integrated systems. This range facilitates scalability and interchangeability, ultimately reducing both development timelines and costs. The research environment nurtures an ecosystem where collaboration thrives, allowing teams of engineers to work effortlessly on electric systems, smart algorithms, and motor control architectures, while still providing maintenance support for existing fleets.

As a testament to the resilience and efficacy of Collins’ elecTRAS technology, it is already operational on the Airbus A350 family, having logged over 15 million flight hours and 2.2 million flight cycles across more than 700 aircraft as of 2025.

About Collins Aerospace

As a part of RTX, Collins Aerospace excels in delivering advanced aerospace and defense solutions across a broad spectrum that includes avionics, aircraft interiors, aerostructures, mission systems, and control systems. The company's workforce is committed to developing innovative technologies aimed at improving aircraft performance, ensuring passenger comfort, enhancing operational safety, and bolstering reliability.

About RTX

RTX stands as a titan in the technological arena, employing over 180,000 individuals globally. The company is relentless in pushing the boundaries of technology and science, reimagining connectivity and protection systems on a worldwide scale. Aiming for excellence, RTX encourages its teams to innovate in aviation, develop integrated defense systems, and deliver next-generation technological solutions that meet critical global challenges. In 2025, the company reported sales exceeding $88 billion, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

The opening of the Collins Aerospace Engineering Center of Excellence signals a new chapter in aerospace innovation, propelling the industry toward a future filled with efficient, electric-powered aircraft systems. As the world progresses toward sustainability and efficiency, this center stands at the forefront of that pivotal evolution, embodying the spirit of collaboration and ingenuity that is paramount in today's aerospace sector.