TLDR
- Collins Aerospace has launched initial testing phases for electric motor drive systems within the EU’s Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative
- The evaluation is conducted at Collins’ Rockford, Illinois electric power systems laboratory, called “The Grid”
- Testing focuses on motor generators, electronic controls, and power distribution components
- Future plans include integration with a Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator unit
- Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney both operate as RTX business divisions
Collins Aerospace, an RTX division, has commenced laboratory evaluation of electric motor drive technology as a participant in the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative. This program aims to assess hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for next-generation commercial aviation platforms.
The evaluation activities are being conducted at Collins’ Rockford, Illinois location — a specialized electric power systems laboratory internally referred to as “The Grid.” This purpose-built facility was designed specifically for high-voltage and complex electrical system development.
Engineering teams are performing comprehensive testing on critical hybrid-electric powertrain elements. These components encompass motor generators, control units, and electrical distribution infrastructure.
This current testing represents an early developmental stage. The program’s objectives extend well beyond these initial evaluations.
Pratt & Whitney GTF Engine Integration on the Horizon
Subsequent program phases call for integrating the hybrid-electric powertrain assembly with a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator. This integration work has not yet commenced.
Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are both operating units within RTX, positioning the corporation as a central player across multiple technological components of the SWITCH program.
The Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative receives funding from the European Union. Its objective is to advance hybrid-electric propulsion research toward achieving reduced emissions in commercial flight operations.
Collins Aerospace has not published specific timing for when GTF integration activities will commence. The ongoing Rockford laboratory work marks the first publicly confirmed program achievement.
Component Testing Details
The powertrain components currently undergoing assessment include motor generators — dual-function devices capable of operating as either electric motors or generators. These units work in conjunction with control electronics that regulate electrical power distribution.
Electrical distribution hardware also forms part of the testing scope. This equipment channels electrical energy throughout the system and represents a vital element of hybrid propulsion architectures.
“The Grid” testing facility possesses the capacity to simulate electrical loads consistent with aircraft-scale hybrid propulsion requirements. Collins developed this laboratory expressly for electric power system advancement.
RTX has not released financial information regarding its SWITCH program participation. EU Clean Aviation operates as a public-private collaboration, with industry participants generally co-funding projects alongside European Union contributions.
Collins Aerospace made the testing announcement on Monday, March 16. Additional program benchmarks have not been made public as of this time.
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