Collins Aerospace Completes Hybrid-Electric SWITCH Project Testing
At the Farnborough International Air Show, Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, announced the successful completion of integrated laboratory testing for the European Union's Clean Aviation SWITCH programme at The Grid, its advanced electric power systems testing facility in Rockford, Illinois. Following successful validation with simulated aircraft and engine environments, the hybrid-electric propulsion subsystems will now move to Airbus laboratories for the next stage of aircraft-level integration, where engineers will focus on aircraft architecture, battery integration, and energy management.
Kristin Smith, Vice President of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace, described the achievement as the most extensive integrated systems evaluation conducted at The Grid since the facility opened in 2023. She noted that combining Collins' technological expertise with strong industry partnerships is helping demonstrate how hybrid-electric propulsion can lower fuel consumption in future-generation aircraft.
The SWITCH programme is designed to enhance propulsion efficiency for upcoming short- and medium-haul aircraft by incorporating hybrid-electric technology into a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine. The system features two megawatt-class electric motor-generators and associated controllers developed by Collins Aerospace. Pratt & Whitney supported the testing by integrating the powertrain and supplying the hybrid-electric engine controller, while Airbus provided the aircraft energy-management interface controller. GKN Aerospace contributed the high-voltage electrical wiring system used during the tests.
Building on the SWITCH programme, The Grid will next support the Airbus-led LEIA (Large ScalE Integration Demonstrator of Hybrid Electrical Architecture) initiative. In this project, Collins Aerospace serves as the technical lead for energy sources. Supported by the Clean Aviation programme, LEIA is focused on advancing hybrid-electric technologies for future short- and medium-range aircraft, including high-voltage power generation and distribution systems.
As part of LEIA, Collins will supply a range of advanced electrical technologies, including four scalable electric motor-generators, next-generation electronic controllers, power distribution equipment, and environmental control systems designed to improve aircraft reliability and passenger comfort. Its facility in Nördlingen, Germany, will manufacture solid-state power controllers and power distribution panels that replace conventional mechanical circuit breakers and relays, reducing system weight while enhancing reliability. Testing activities will be conducted across multiple Collins sites, including The Grid in the United States, as well as facilities in Toulouse, Frankfurt, Cork, Rome, and Solihull.
Pierre Durel, Project Officer at Clean Aviation, said the SWITCH and LEIA programmes represent critical milestones in making hybrid-electric aircraft for short- and medium-haul operations commercially viable. He highlighted the importance of international collaboration across Europe and beyond and expressed anticipation for the full-scale demonstration tests planned for 2027.
The SWITCH and LEIA initiatives build upon Collins Aerospace's ongoing collaboration with industry partners through several Clean Aviation projects, including HECATE and AWATAR, which focus on advancing aircraft electrification technologies. Collins is also contributing to the programme's latest ultra-efficient regional aircraft initiatives, OSYRYS and PHARES. The SWITCH project is coordinated by MTU Aero Engines.
Kristin Smith, Vice President of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace, described the achievement as the most extensive integrated systems evaluation conducted at The Grid since the facility opened in 2023. She noted that combining Collins' technological expertise with strong industry partnerships is helping demonstrate how hybrid-electric propulsion can lower fuel consumption in future-generation aircraft.
The SWITCH programme is designed to enhance propulsion efficiency for upcoming short- and medium-haul aircraft by incorporating hybrid-electric technology into a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine. The system features two megawatt-class electric motor-generators and associated controllers developed by Collins Aerospace. Pratt & Whitney supported the testing by integrating the powertrain and supplying the hybrid-electric engine controller, while Airbus provided the aircraft energy-management interface controller. GKN Aerospace contributed the high-voltage electrical wiring system used during the tests.
Building on the SWITCH programme, The Grid will next support the Airbus-led LEIA (Large ScalE Integration Demonstrator of Hybrid Electrical Architecture) initiative. In this project, Collins Aerospace serves as the technical lead for energy sources. Supported by the Clean Aviation programme, LEIA is focused on advancing hybrid-electric technologies for future short- and medium-range aircraft, including high-voltage power generation and distribution systems.
As part of LEIA, Collins will supply a range of advanced electrical technologies, including four scalable electric motor-generators, next-generation electronic controllers, power distribution equipment, and environmental control systems designed to improve aircraft reliability and passenger comfort. Its facility in Nördlingen, Germany, will manufacture solid-state power controllers and power distribution panels that replace conventional mechanical circuit breakers and relays, reducing system weight while enhancing reliability. Testing activities will be conducted across multiple Collins sites, including The Grid in the United States, as well as facilities in Toulouse, Frankfurt, Cork, Rome, and Solihull.
Pierre Durel, Project Officer at Clean Aviation, said the SWITCH and LEIA programmes represent critical milestones in making hybrid-electric aircraft for short- and medium-haul operations commercially viable. He highlighted the importance of international collaboration across Europe and beyond and expressed anticipation for the full-scale demonstration tests planned for 2027.
The SWITCH and LEIA initiatives build upon Collins Aerospace's ongoing collaboration with industry partners through several Clean Aviation projects, including HECATE and AWATAR, which focus on advancing aircraft electrification technologies. Collins is also contributing to the programme's latest ultra-efficient regional aircraft initiatives, OSYRYS and PHARES. The SWITCH project is coordinated by MTU Aero Engines.
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