Collins Aerospace has begun initial testing of electric motor drive systems for the Clean Aviation SWITCH programme, progressing hybrid-electric propulsion toward full-scale engine demonstration.

Testing is underway at the company’s “The Grid” electric power systems laboratory in Rockford, Illinois, where integrated hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems including motor generators, controllers and power distribution systems are being validated. Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney operate under RTX.

The programme aims to demonstrate how hybrid-electric architectures can improve engine efficiency across different flight phases for future short- and medium-range aircraft. Validated subsystems, including two megawatt-class motor generators, are scheduled for integration into a hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator in the next phase.

“The start of powertrain subsystem testing is a key step towards demonstrating the potential of applying more electric systems to future commercial aircraft,” says Kristin Smith, vice president, Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace. “Hybrid-electric technology has the potential to transform aviation by enabling greater fuel efficiency across multiple future platforms, including next generation single-aisle aircraft.”

Development of the SWITCH powertrain spans multiple European sites, with Collins Aerospace producing electric motors and controllers in Solihull, UK, and power distribution systems in Nördlingen, Germany. GKN Aerospace has supplied the high-voltage wiring interconnection system from its Papendrecht facility in the Netherlands.

The SWITCH programme includes MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, Airbus and several European research institutions, forming part of broader Clean Aviation efforts to advance hybrid-electric propulsion and more electric aircraft systems.