RTX have completed the preliminary design review for the hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator engine being developed as part of the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH project, the company said in a press release Monday.
This system integrates two megawatt-class electric motor generators from RTX business Collins Aerospace into a Pratt & Whitney GTF engine.
The goal of this hybrid-electric propulsion system is to improve engine efficiency throughout flight phases, with the potential to decrease fuel consumption and emissions for upcoming short- and medium-range aircraft.
Juan de Bedout, chief technology officer (CTO) of RTX, said, “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.”
“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,” he said.
The SWITCH hybrid-electric propulsion system includes two megawatt-class electric motor generators installed on both the low spool and high spool of the GTF engine.
It also incorporates motor controllers, high voltage wiring, and batteries.
Testing of this electric powertrain is scheduled to occur at Collins’ advanced electric power systems development facility, known as The Grid, located in Rockford, the U.S.
Following successful testing at The Grid, the full-scale GTF demonstrator engine will be assembled and undergo further testing.
The SWITCH project, short for Sustainable Water Injecting Turbofan Comprising Hybrid-Electrics, is a collaborative effort involving MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, and Airbus.
Its primary objective is to showcase the potential of hybrid-electric and water-enhanced turbofan technologies. These advancements aim to significantly enhance aircraft fuel efficiency and decrease emissions.
RTX views hybrid-electric propulsion as a critical component of its technology roadmap to foster more sustainable aviation practices.
Apart from its involvement in SWITCH, RTX is actively pushing forward hybrid-electric technologies through various demonstrator initiatives.
These programs include STEP-Tech and the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, which receive support from the government of Canada. These efforts are geared towards developing technologies applicable to a wide range of future aircraft platforms.