Key Highlights
- Collins Aerospace has commenced preliminary testing on electric motor drive systems under the EU Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative
- Component evaluation is occurring at Collins’ specialized electric power systems laboratory, “The Grid,” located in Rockford, Illinois
- Testing focuses on motor generators, electronic control systems, and electrical distribution components
- Future plans include integration with a Pratt & Whitney GTF demonstrator engine
- Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney both operate as RTX business divisions
Collins Aerospace, an RTX division, has launched preliminary laboratory testing of electric motor drive technologies as its contribution to the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative. This program aims to advance hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for next-generation commercial aircraft.
The experimental work is being conducted at Collins’ Rockford, Illinois facility — a specialized electric power systems laboratory called “The Grid.” This purpose-built installation was designed specifically for high-voltage, sophisticated systems evaluation.
Researchers at the site are conducting comprehensive assessments of essential hybrid-electric powertrain elements. The components under scrutiny include motor generators, electronic control units, and electrical distribution infrastructure.
This current testing represents an initial development phase. Collins has more advanced objectives on the horizon.
Future Integration With Pratt & Whitney GTF Technology
Subsequent development stages will involve integrating the hybrid-electric powertrain subsystem with a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator. This integration work has not yet commenced.
Both Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney function as divisions within RTX, positioning the parent company as a central player in multiple technology streams of the SWITCH program.
The Clean Aviation SWITCH initiative receives European Union funding and is structured to advance research into hybrid-electric propulsion as a pathway to reduced-emission commercial flight operations.
Collins Aerospace has not announced specific timing for when the GTF integration work will commence. The ongoing Rockford testing marks the first publicly confirmed program achievement.
Testing Scope and Components
The powertrain components currently being analyzed include motor generators — dual-purpose units capable of operating both as electric motors and electrical generators. These work in conjunction with control electronics that regulate power distribution.
Electrical distribution hardware is also undergoing evaluation. This equipment channels electrical energy throughout the system and represents a vital element of any hybrid propulsion configuration.
“The Grid” facility possesses the capacity to simulate the electrical loads required for aircraft-scale hybrid configurations. Collins developed this laboratory exclusively for electric power systems innovation.
RTX has not released financial details regarding its SWITCH program participation. EU Clean Aviation operates as a public-private collaboration, with industry participants generally contributing resources alongside European Union funding.
Collins Aerospace revealed the testing commencement on Monday, March 16. Additional program developments have not been publicly announced at this stage.
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