Collins Aerospace has begun initial testing of electric motor drive systems for the European Union’s
Clean Aviation SWITCH project, which is focused on demonstrating the potential of hybrid-electric technologies to optimise engine efficiency across different phases of flight for future short- and medium-range aircraft.
Key subsystems validated at ‘The Grid’, Collins' advanced electric power systems lab in Rockford, Illinois, including two megawatt-class motor generators, will be integrated within a hybrid-electric
Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator as part of the next phase of testing.
Kristin Smith, vice president, Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace, said: “The start of powertrain subsystem testing is a key step towards demonstrating the potential of applying more electric systems to future commercial aircraft. Hybrid-electric technology has the potential to transform aviation by enabling greater fuel efficiency across multiple future platforms, including next generation single-aisle aircraft.”
The SWITCH powertrain incorporates multiple key components developed at world-class R&D facilities around Europe. Collins Aerospace designed and produced megawatt-class electric motor and controllers at its UK facility in Solihull, while power distribution components including a solid-state power controller and power distribution panel were designed in Nördlingen, Germany. The high-voltage electrical wiring interconnection system developed by
GKN Aerospace was built in Papendrecht, the Netherlands.
SWITCH is a collaborative effort involving MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, Airbus and several European research institutions. Collins Aerospace is also engaged in multiple ongoing ‘Clean Aviation’ projects targeted at enabling hybrid-electric propulsion and more electric aircraft architectures across regional and short- and medium- range platforms.