Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has announced a major expansion of its aircraft electrification initiatives with the launch of a new engineering center of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK, and the opening of a dedicated production line for electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS™) in Colomiers, France.
The newly established engineering center in Wolverhampton is set to drive innovation in electric thrust reverser actuation systems for commercial aviation. Equipped with cutting-edge design and testing capabilities, the facility will focus on developing next-generation electric actuation technologies. Meanwhile, the Colomiers site will serve as the final assembly location for the elecTRAS systems, boosting production capacity and streamlining supply chain efficiency to better serve Collins’ global customer base.
Transitioning from traditional hydraulically-powered thrust reverser systems to the fully electric elecTRAS technology offers significant benefits. These include easier installation and maintenance for customers and a substantial reduction in overall aircraft system weight—by as much as 15–20%. This lighter configuration contributes to enhanced fuel efficiency and operational performance. Collins Aerospace currently supplies the elecTRAS system for the Airbus A350 family.
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As a critical component of an aircraft’s nacelle system, thrust reversers function by redirecting engine thrust to help decelerate the aircraft during landing. By advancing the integration and production of electric systems like elecTRAS, Collins aims to lead the shift toward more efficient, sustainable aviation technologies.
The Colomiers production line will also enhance Collins’ nacelle integration capabilities, further aligning with the company’s strategic focus on proximity to its customers and responsiveness to growing market demand.
“With decades of experience in nacelles, thrust reversers, and aircraft electrification, Collins’ elecTRAS center of excellence and production line will bring together expertise from across the company to deliver new, innovative solutions for our customers and future platforms,” said Ajay Mahajan, president of Aerostructures at Collins Aerospace. “Building on in-service learning and experience, our dedicated investment to enable aircraft electrification technologies for the next-generation nacelle and elecTRAS will make future aircraft easier to maintain and operationally efficient.”