Collins Aerospace Tests Electric Drive for Hybrid Pratt & Whitney GTF

ROCKFORD, Ill. – Collins Aerospace initiated testing of electric motor drive systems March 16, 2026, at its "The Grid" facility for the European Union's Clean Aviation SWITCH project. The effort validates hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems, including two megawatt-class motor generators and controllers, destined for a full-scale hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator.

Project Details

Kristin Smith, vice president of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace, said the start of powertrain testing marks a key step toward demonstrating more electric systems on future commercial aircraft. Components for the project were developed across Europe, with megawatt-class motors in Solihull, UK, and power distribution systems in Nördlingen, Germany.

Future Integration

The project targets efficiency gains across flight phases such as takeoff and climb for short- and medium-range aircraft. Next-phase engine integration is planned soon, with the broader SWITCH initiative aiming to optimize gas turbines while boosting performance via electric motors on high and low-pressure spools.