Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has successfully completed integrated laboratory testing for the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH project at The Grid, its advanced electric power systems laboratory in Rockford, Illinois. In the tests, hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems were successfully tested along with simulated aircraft and engine systems, proving the technologies aimed at improving fuel efficiency in future generations of short- and medium-haul aircraft. The tested subsystems will now move to Airbus laboratories for aircraft-level integration, where they will undergo further evaluation involving aircraft design, battery interfacing, and energy management systems. The SWITCH project integrates hybrid-electric technologies with Pratt & Whitney’s GTF™ engine using Collins’ megawatt-class motor generators and controllers, supported by Airbus’ energy management interface, Pratt & Whitney’s hybrid-electric engine controller, and GKN Aerospace’s high-voltage wiring system.
Also Read: Mitsubishi Electric and Sony Semiconductor Solutions Forge Partnership to Build AI Vision Sensor Solutions
LEIA testing will span multiple Collins facilities across Europe and the U.S., with demonstration tests planned for 2027. “This is the largest integrated systems test conducted at The Grid since its opening in 2023,” said Kristin Smith, vice president of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace. “By combining our technology expertise with deep industry collaboration, we are demonstrating how hybrid-electric systems can significantly reduce fuel consumption for next-generation aircraft.” According to Pierre Durel, Project Officer at Clean Aviation, “SWITCH & LEIA are essential building blocks to make the hybrid-electric short- and medium-range aircraft become a reality: they show the power of collaboration within Europe and beyond.” He adds that Clean Aviation is “very much looking forward to the results of the demonstration tests due to be carried out in 2027.”