US-based Collins Aerospace Systems (www.rockwellcollins.com), a division of United Technologies Corp, has unveiled plans to invest $50 million in ‘The Grid’ — the industry’s most advanced electric power systems lab.

The company will use this high-power high-voltage lab to design and test systems — including high-power generators — for the next generation of electric aircraft (including commercial, military, business aviation, UAV and urban air mobility platforms).

The lab is part of a $150 million total investment that Collins Aerospace expects to make in electric systems over the next three years. Work on the 25,000ft lab is already under way in Rockford, Illinois, and Collins Aerospace expects it to be fully operational by 2021.

Kelly Ortberg, Collins Aerospace CEO, said: “Collins is the innovation leader in electric systems, and The Grid positions us to remain the world leader in the electrification of aircraft for decades to come.

“In the not-too-distant future, hybrid-electric and fully electric aircraft will revolutionise air travel as we know it, opening up new markets like urban air mobility while reinvigorating others like regional service to under-utilised airports.

“They will help to support a greener planet by reducing carbon emissions, and they will help our airline customers by reducing operating costs and fuel consumption.”

Among the first platforms to be supported by The Grid will be the recently unveiled United Technologies hybrid-electric flight demonstrator, Project 804.

The goal of Project 804 is to re-engine and fly a regional turboprop aircraft powered by a 2MW hybrid-electric propulsion system.

Collins Aerospace will use The Grid to help it design and test a 1MW motor, motor controller and battery system in support of this goal.

The 1MW motor will be the aerospace industry’s most power-dense and efficient to date, and the new motor and motor controller will be used to assist the demonstrator’s fuel-burning engine as part of its hybrid-electric propulsion system.

The Grid will be one of a select few facilities in the world with the capability to test complete electric propulsion systems of this capacity.