UTC Aerospace Systems, a unit of United Technologies Corp., and its Electric Systems business will collaborate with Fokker Technologies, a business unit of GKN Aerospace, to explore opportunities regarding possible development and design of integrated electrical solutions for more electric aircraft (MEA). As part of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed at the Farnborough Air Show, the companies will engage with each other to explore integrated electric systems, such as power generating and power distribution systems, and electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS).

"UTC Aerospace Systems is committed to the development of more electric technologies for the next generation of aircraft," said Tim White, president, Electric Systems, UTC Aerospace Systems. "Over the past decade, we invested approximately $3 billion in MEA research and development. We look forward to working with Fokker Technologies to create integrated electrical solutions for the future."

The MOU enables the collective expertise of UTC Aerospace Systems and Fokker to be leveraged to find opportunities for more innovative and affordable solutions for the global aerospace market. UTC Aerospace Systems' Electric Systems business is a leading provider of electrical power generation, distribution and control for commercial, regional, business and military aircraft. Fokker Technologies is a specialist in the design and manufacturing of EWIS and uses a proprietary wiring design and manufacturing system.

"This is a major steppingstone in the long-term collaboration with UTC Aerospace Systems' Electric Systems," said Hans Büthker, CEO and chairman, Fokker Technologies. "We look forward to extending our relationship and working together on innovative integrated electrical solutions for more electric aircraft."