Key Highlights
- Collins Aerospace has launched initial testing of electric motor drive systems for the EU’s Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative
- The testing occurs at Collins’ electric power systems laboratory, “The Grid,” located in Rockford, Illinois
- Engineering teams are assessing motor generators, control electronics, and power distribution components
- Future plans include integration with a demonstrator Pratt & Whitney GTF engine
- Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney both operate as RTX business units
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business unit, has commenced preliminary laboratory testing of electric motor drive systems for the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative. This program aims to assess hybrid-electric propulsion technology for next-generation commercial aircraft.
The testing activities are taking place at Collins’ Rockford, Illinois facility, which houses the company’s electric power systems laboratory called “The Grid.” This specialized facility was established to handle high-voltage, sophisticated systems development.
Engineering personnel at the location are conducting integrated assessments of critical hybrid-electric powertrain elements. These components encompass motor generators, control systems, and power distribution infrastructure.
This testing represents an early-stage effort. The work serves as a foundation for more advanced development phases ahead.
Future GTF Engine Integration on the Horizon
Subsequent development phases will involve connecting the hybrid-electric powertrain subsystem to a full-scale demonstrator version of the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine. This integration work remains scheduled for the future.
Both Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney operate as divisions within RTX, positioning the corporation as a key participant across multiple technology streams within the SWITCH initiative.
The Clean Aviation SWITCH project receives funding from the European Union. The initiative was established to advance research in hybrid-electric propulsion technology as a route toward reduced-emission commercial aviation.
Collins Aerospace has yet to announce specific dates for when GTF engine integration will commence. The ongoing Rockford testing marks the first publicly confirmed program milestone.
Testing Focus Areas
The powertrain components currently undergoing evaluation include motor generators — devices capable of operating as both electric motors and generators. These work in conjunction with control electronics that regulate power distribution.
Power distribution infrastructure is also part of the testing regime. This hardware channels electrical energy throughout the system and represents a vital element of any hybrid propulsion configuration.
“The Grid” facility possesses the capability to accommodate the electrical loads required for aircraft-scale hybrid systems. Collins developed this laboratory expressly for electric power systems research and development.
RTX has remained silent regarding financial details related to the SWITCH program arrangement. EU Clean Aviation operates as a public-private partnership, where industry participants generally contribute cost-sharing alongside European Union funding.
Collins Aerospace revealed the testing commencement on Monday, March 16. Additional program milestones have yet to be announced publicly.
