Collins Aerospace completes EU hybrid-electric powertrain test program

Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX (NYSE: RTX), has completed integrated lab testing for the European Union's Clean Aviation SWITCH project at The Grid, its electric power systems lab in Rockford, Ill., according to a press release issued at the Farnborough International Air Show.

The tested hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems, which operated with simulated aircraft and engine systems, will move to Airbus's laboratories for aircraft-level integration testing, covering aircraft design, battery interfacing, and energy-management systems.

The SWITCH project 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. Pratt & Whitney provided powertrain system integration and the hybrid-electric engine controller, Airbus supplied the interface controller to the aircraft energy-management system, and GKN Aerospace delivered the high-voltage wiring system. MTU Aero Engines coordinates the SWITCH project.

Kristin Smith, vice president of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace, described it as "the largest integrated systems test conducted at The Grid since its opening in 2023."

The Grid will next support the Airbus-led LEIA (Large scalE Integration demonstrator of hybrid electrical Architecture) project, in which Collins serves as technical lead for energy sources. Collins will supply electric motor/generators, electronic controllers, power distribution equipment, and cabin pressure and ventilation control systems. Its Nördlingen, Germany site will provide solid-state power controllers and power distribution panels. LEIA testing will take place across multiple Collins facilities, including sites in Toulouse, France; Frankfurt, Germany; Cork, Ireland; Rome, Italy; and Solihull, UK.

Pierre Durel, Project Officer at Clean Aviation, said demonstration tests for SWITCH and LEIA are expected to be carried out in 2027.

The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is a public-private partnership between the European Commission and the European aeronautics industry with a total budget of €4.1 billion.

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