en.Wedoany.com Reported - Collins Aerospace has completed integrated laboratory testing for the SWITCH project, led by MTU Aero Engines under the Clean Aviation initiative, at "The Grid," its advanced power systems facility in Rockford, Illinois.

Following testing, the hybrid electric subsystem has successfully operated in a simulated aircraft and engine environment and has now been transferred to Airbus laboratories for further aircraft-level integration verification, involving aircraft design, battery interfaces, and energy management systems.

"This is the largest integrated system test conducted at The Grid since its opening in 2023," said Kristin Smith, Vice President of Power Systems at Collins Aerospace. "By combining our technical expertise with deep industry collaboration, we are demonstrating that hybrid electric systems can significantly reduce fuel consumption for next-generation aircraft."

The technical path of the SWITCH project involves integrating a hybrid electric system onto a Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engine—comprising two Collins 1-megawatt motor-generators and controllers connected to low-speed and high-speed rotors, respectively—to enhance engine efficiency for future narrowbody aircraft. Meanwhile, MTU is developing a waste heat recovery system to further optimize engine performance.

The second phase of the Clean Aviation project plans to continue maturing the technology, including potential flight testing of the hybrid engine around 2030, likely on a modified A380 test platform.

Testing at The Grid was supported by Pratt & Whitney, Airbus (providing interface controllers for the aircraft energy management system), and GKN Aerospace (providing high-voltage wiring systems). Next, The Grid will support the Airbus-led LEIA project (also under Clean Aviation funding), where Collins serves as the energy technology lead. This demonstration project runs through the end of December 2027, advancing components and aircraft systems for future hybrid-electric short- and medium-range aircraft, including high-voltage power generation and distribution. By the end of 2027, one goal is to deliver a non-propulsive energy architecture for a short-to-medium-range more hybrid-electric aircraft concept and achieve its integration with the overall airframe.