Hybrid-electric propulsion technology has
potential to increase efficiency and reduce emissions for future
aircraft applications
LONDON, July 22,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Farnborough Air Show — RTX
(NYSE: RTX) today announced the completion of the preliminary
design review for the hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator
engine being developed as part of the SWITCH project, supported by
the European Union's Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (Clean
Aviation). By combining two Collins Aerospace megawatt-class
electric motor generators within a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine,
the hybrid-electric propulsion system aims to enhance engine
efficiency across all phases of flight, offering the potential to
reduce fuel burn and emissions for future short- and medium-range
aircraft.
"Completing the preliminary design review is a significant
milestone toward demonstrating the potential of hybrid-electric
technology to further enhance the performance and efficiency of
next generation aircraft propulsion systems," said Juan de Bedout, chief technology officer, RTX.
"We are leveraging our growing expertise in the field of
hybrid-electric propulsion, including close collaboration between
Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace and all members of the
SWITCH consortium."
The SWITCH hybrid-electric propulsion system comprises two
megawatt-class electric motor generators mounted on the low spool
and high spool of the GTF engine, along with associated motor
controllers, high voltage wiring and batteries. Testing of the
electric powertrain is planned to take place at Collins'
state-of-the-art electric power systems development facility, The
Grid, in Rockford, IL, before
assembly and test of the full-scale GTF demonstrator engine.
The SWITCH project (Sustainable Water Injecting Turbofan
Comprising Hybrid-Electrics) is a collaborative consortium
including MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins
Aerospace, GKN Aerospace and Airbus, and aims to demonstrate the
potential of hybrid-electric and water-enhanced turbofan
technologies to enable improvements in aircraft fuel efficiency and
reduced emissions.
Hybrid-electric propulsion is a key part of RTX's technology
roadmap for enabling more sustainable aviation. In addition to
SWITCH, RTX is advancing hybrid-electric technologies through
multiple demonstrator programs applicable to a variety of future
aircraft platforms, including STEP-Tech and the RTX Hybrid-Electric
Flight Demonstrator, supported by the governments of Canada and Quebec.
About Clean Aviation
The Clean Aviation Joint
Undertaking is the European Union's leading research and innovation
programme for transforming aviation towards a sustainable and
climate-neutral future. It is a European public-private
partnership. The programme's disruptive clean aviation technologies
will help reduce CO2 of short-medium range aircraft by no less
than 30% and -50% for regional range aircraft.
About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of
technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our
world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace,
Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation,
engineering integrated defense systems, and developing
next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help
global customers address their most critical challenges. The
company, with 2023 sales of $69
billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.
For questions or to schedule an interview, please
contact corporatepr@rtx.com
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SOURCE RTX