Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has 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. The tested hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems successfully operated with simulated aircraft and engine systems and are now headed to Airbus laboratories for further aircraft-level integration testing, including work on aircraft design, battery interfacing and energy-management systems.
“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.”
SWITCH aims to improve engine efficiency for future short- and medium-range aircraft by integrating hybrid-electric systems with a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine, including two Collins megawatt-class motor generators and controllers. Testing at The Grid was supported by Pratt & Whitney teams, which performed powertrain system integration and supplied the hybrid-electric engine controller, while Airbus teams supplied the interface controller for the aircraft energy-management system. GKN Aerospace delivered the high-voltage wiring system.
The Grid will next support the Airbus-led LEIA (Large scalE Integration demonstrator of hybrid electrical Architecture) project, where Collins is the technical lead for energy sources. The Clean Aviation demonstrator will advance components and aircraft systems for future hybrid-electric short- and medium-range aircraft, including high-voltage generation and distribution.
Collins will deliver advanced aircraft electric system technologies, including four scalable electric motor/generators, next-generation electronic controllers, power distribution equipment, and cabin pressure and ventilation control systems designed to enhance reliability and passenger comfort.
Collins’ Nördlingen, Germany, site will supply solid-state power controllers and power distribution panels to replace mechanical circuit breakers and relays, with the aim of boosting reliability and reducing weight. LEIA testing will take place across several sites, including The Grid, as well as Collins facilities in Toulouse, France; Frankfurt, Germany; Cork, Ireland; Rome, Italy; and Solihull, UK.
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 added that Clean Aviation is “very much looking forward to the results of the demonstration tests due to be carried out in 2027.”
Both SWITCH and LEIA build on the ongoing collaboration between Collins and several partners across multiple Clean Aviation projects, including HECATE and AWATAR, which advance electrification technologies for future regional and short- and medium-range aircraft. Collins also contributes to Clean Aviation’s newest ultra-efficient regional aircraft projects, including OSYRYS and PHARES. MTU Aero Engines coordinates the SWITCH project.
