Collins is developing the 1MW motor at its facility in Solihull. It has recently completed a rated power test on a prototype at the University of Nottingham’s Institute for Aerospace Technology.
“With its industry-leading power density and efficiency, our 1MW motor will help to significantly reduce aircraft carbon emissions by supporting hybrid-electric propulsion architectures on the next generation of commercial platforms,” says Henry Brooks, president of Collins’ Power & Controls operation. “As the motor's development continues apace, each milestone brings us one step closer to hybrid-electric flight and our industry's shared commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.”
The 1MW motor will be combined with a high-efficiency thermal engine developed by Pratt & Whitney – which, like Collins, is owned by Raytheon Technologies (RTX).
Testing of the combined hybrid-electric propulsion system will continue through 2023. The system and batteries will then be integrated into a Dash 8-100 experimental aircraft, with flight trials due to start in 2024. The project is being supported by the Canadian and Quebec governments.
“Hybrid-electric propulsion technology offers significant potential to optimise aircraft efficiency across a range of future aircraft applications and is a key part of our technology roadmap for supporting more sustainable aviation,” says Jean Thomassin, executive director for new products and services at Pratt & Whitney Canada.
As well as the hybrid-electric flight demonstrator, the 1MW motor will also be used in a Pratt & Whitney hybrid-electric powertrain for the Switch (sustainable water-injecting turbofan comprising hybrid-electrics) project which is part of the European Union's Clean Aviation initiative. The project aims to cut aircraft emissions by up to 25% using a novel propulsion concept based on hybrid-electric and water-enhanced turbofan technologies.
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