Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is expanding its electrification capabilities with two new facilities in Europe: a new engineering center of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK, and an electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS) production line in Colomiers, France.
The Wolverhampton site will focus on developing next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems, harnessing advanced design and testing facilities. Concurrently, the Colomiers facility near Toulouse will handle final assembly of elecTRAS.
Benefits of going electric
By transitioning from traditional hydraulic to electric thrust reverser systems, Collins aims to achieve a reduction in aircraft system weight of 15 to 20%. This shift is poised to enhance fuel efficiency, simplify maintenance, and improve operational performance.
“By moving to an electrically operated system, you eliminate ducts, tubes, and fluid, dramatically simplifying installation and maintenance,” explained Ajay Mahajan, President of Advanced Structures at Collins Aerospace, during a recent media briefing. Mahajan emphasized the operational advantages: “It reduces certification timelines, cuts weight substantially, and significantly simplifies maintenance for airlines. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
Collins’ elecTRAS technology is already flying on the Airbus A350 family, with over 600 aircraft in service, accumulating approximately 11 million flight hours and 1.8 million flight cycles of operational experience by the end of 2024.
A broader electrification strategy
Henry Brooks, President of Power & Controls at Collins Aerospace, further detailed the strategic outlook.
“Our electrification initiative spans multiple business units within Collins, leveraging global R&D capabilities,” Brooks said. “We’ve successfully electrified many systems historically dependent on hydraulics, such as electric brakes and environmental control systems on aircraft like the 787 and F-35. Now, we are looking toward components traditionally seen as hydraulic, such as wing actuators and anti-icing systems, as prime candidates for electrification.”
Addressing why Wolverhampton was selected, Mahajan cited strategic considerations: “Co-locating expertise is critical. Proximity to existing capabilities, talent pools, and our customers in Europe were decisive factors.”
The Wolverhampton center will collaborate with Collins’ existing sites in the region, including its electronic controls and motor systems unit in nearby Solihull. The geographical proximity is expected to streamline collaboration on electric motor integration, system architecture, and control software development.
Future applications and platform potential
Looking ahead, Collins anticipates extending elecTRAS technology beyond the current Airbus platforms.
“Our strategy is technology insertion, developing and maturing these innovations now, integrating them into current aircraft programs, and ensuring readiness for next-generation platforms,” Mahajan noted.
Mahajan indicated the A350 freighter program as the immediate next candidate but added that discussions are ongoing with multiple OEMs for future applications.
