Collins Aerospace has opened a centre of excellence in Wolverhampton and an elecTRAS production line in Colomiers to support its next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems. These electric systems replace traditional hydraulics, reducing aircraft system weight by up to 20% and improving fuel efficiency.

The Wolverhampton centre focuses on engineering and testing, while Colomiers handles final assembly. The company says the switch to electric systems will also make nacelle systems easier to install and maintain.

Final assembly in France increases nacelle integration capacity and brings production closer to European customers. The Wolverhampton team will collaborate with Collins' Aerostructures base in Chula Vista and its motor systems team in Solihull.

Collins' elecTRAS are currently supplied for the Airbus A350. The system has accrued around 11 million flight hours and 1.8 million cycles.

“With decades of experience in nacelles, thrust reversers and aircraft electrification, Collins’ elecTRAS centre of excellence and production line will bring together expertise from across the company to deliver new, innovative solutions for our customers and future platforms,” says Collins Aerospace president of Aerostructures Ajay Mahajan. “Building on in-service learning and experience, our dedicated investment to enable aircraft electrification technologies for the next-generation nacelle and elecTRAS will make future aircraft easier to maintain and operationally efficient.”