GKN Aerospace has completed and delivered the first high voltage Electrical Wiring Interconnection System (EWIS) for the Clean Aviation SWITCH project. The system, developed at GKN Aerospace’s site in Papendrecht, the Netherlands, is designed for megawatt-class hybrid electric propulsion and will undergo system integration testing later this year at Collins Aerospace’s advanced electric power systems lab, The Grid, in Rockford, Illinois. Following this, it will support future hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator testing at EME Aero in Poland.

The SWITCH project is a major international collaboration focused on developing advanced aircraft propulsion technologies for enabling improved efficiency and performance in future short and medium range aircraft. Led by a consortium including MTU Aero Engines AG, RTX businesses Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace, Airbus, and GKN Aerospace, SWITCH is supported by the European Union through the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking.

GKN Aerospace is responsible for the design, assembly, testing and delivery of the high voltage AC wire harnesses - a critical component in enabling safe, efficient power distribution in hybrid-electric aircraft.

“The delivery of GKN’s high voltage electric wiring system to RTX is a critical next step toward demonstrating the effectiveness of hybrid-electric propulsion technology for future aircraft platforms,” said Kristin Smith, vice president, Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace. “As part of the SWITCH project, Collins’ powertrain system will begin testing later this year at The Grid lab before assembly and test of two Collins megawatt-class power motor generators within a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF demonstrator engine.”

John Pritchard, President of Civil Airframe at GKN Aerospace said: “Delivering these first harnesses is a proud milestone for our team in Papendrecht and for GKN Aerospace. The collaboration with our consortium partners is incredibly valuable and brings deep technical insight to this groundbreaking work. Together, we’re shaping the future of flight.”

Hybrid electric aircraft are central to the aviation industry’s ambition to achieve more sustainable aviation. However, as power levels scale from hundreds of kilowatts to multiple megawatts, new high voltage distribution systems are essential. With decades of experience in EWIS technologies for both commercial and military platforms, GKN Aerospace is contributing to building the electrical backbone of future flight.

GKN Aerospace is a global multi-technology leader in the aerospace industry, specialising in the development and delivery of cutting-edge aerostructures and engine systems. Our unrivalled products, systems, and services are integral to 90% of today's aircraft ranging from helicopters, business jets, passenger planes and advanced air mobility vehicles to state-of-the-art fighter aircraft.

Our commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology is evident in the application of lightweight composites, additive fabrication, electrical wiring interconnection systems, and groundbreaking engine systems, reducing both weight and cost in today’s aircraft and engines. GKN Aerospace is at the forefront of sustainable technology, developing breakthrough solutions to achieve emission-free flight. Our global technology centres collaborate with industry partners around the world to accelerate the development of pioneering technologies, including hydrogen-powered propulsion and all-electric flight.

Operating in 12 countries, GKN Aerospace employs a workforce of 16,000 employees across more than 30 locations. GKN Aerospace has global sales of £3.4bn and is listed under its parent company name Melrose Industries PLC.