Collins Aerospace has initiated testing of electric motor drive systems, including two 1MW-class motor generators, for hybridizing a Pratt & Whitney PW1100G geared turbofan engine. The tests are part of the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH project and are taking place at the company’s advanced electric power systems lab, The Grid, in Rockford, Illinois.[1][2][3]
The hybrid-electric powertrain subsystem under validation includes motor generators, controllers, and power distribution systems. These components, some developed at Collins facilities in Solihull, UK, and Nördlingen, Germany, will integrate into a full-scale PW1100G engine demonstrator in subsequent phases.[3][2]
The SWITCH project, involving Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, MTU Aero Engines, GKN Aerospace, Airbus, and European research institutions, seeks to optimize engine efficiency across flight phases for short- and medium-range aircraft. Funded under EU grant 101102006, Clean Aviation aims to cut CO2 emissions by at least 30% for short-medium range aircraft.[1][2]
Both Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney operate as RTX businesses.[3]