Collins Aerospace Expands Electric Systems in UK and France
Collins Aerospace, part of RTX, is advancing its electric aircraft system development with two new facilities in Europe. A new engineering center in Wolverhampton, UK, and a production line in Colomiers, France, will support the expansion of its electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS) program.
The Wolverhampton site will focus on next-generation elecTRAS development, including design and testing, while the Colomiers facility near Toulouse will manage final assembly. This strategic move is part of Collins’ broader effort to transition from traditional hydraulic systems to electric solutions that offer significant performance and efficiency benefits.
Switching to electric thrust reverser systems is expected to cut aircraft system weight by 15 to 20 percent, improve fuel efficiency, simplify maintenance, and reduce installation complexity. Collins’ elecTRAS is already in service on more than 600 Airbus A350 aircraft, with over 11 million flight hours logged by the end of 2024.
Ajay Mahajan, President of Advanced Structures, noted that the move simplifies systems and shortens certification timelines. Henry Brooks, President of Power & Controls, emphasized that the electrification initiative spans multiple Collins business units, targeting systems like brakes, wing actuators, and anti-icing previously reliant on hydraulics.
Wolverhampton was chosen due to its proximity to existing Collins capabilities in Solihull and its skilled talent base. The new center will collaborate with nearby sites to enhance system architecture and control software integration.
Looking ahead, Collins sees opportunities to expand elecTRAS beyond the A350, including the A350 freighter and future aircraft platforms currently under discussion with OEMs.
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