RTX completes preliminary design review of hybrid-electric GTF engine demonstrator

RTX has completed the preliminary design review for the GTF hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator. The engine is a combination of two Collins Aerospace megawatt-class electric motor generators within a Pratt & Whitney GTF engine. RTX said the hybrid-electric propulsion system aims to enhance engine efficiency across all phases of flight and reduce fuel burn as well as emissions for future short- and medium-range aircraft. At a press event at the Farnborough International Airshow, the company said the engine is still in its ""infancy stage"". It is part of RTX's SWITCH project, supported by the European Union's Clean Aviation programme. ""Completing the preliminary design review is a significant milestone towards demonstrating the potential of hybrid-electric technology to further enhance the performance and efficiency of next generation aircraft propulsion systems,"" said RTX chief technology officer Juan de Bedout. ""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."" Speaking on the sidelines of the event, engineering and technology leader at Collins Aerospace Mauro Atalla said that his team - while not collaborating with airlines on the project - they have communicated frequently with them to determine what they want from the project. He found the largest concern from airlines to be recurring costs with maintenance expense in particular for these engine types. However, he said that as the project progresses these issues will be addressed. Hybrid-electric propulsion is a key component of RTX's sustainable technology roadmap. When asked if it was something airlines were willing to invest in, Atalla said: ""We need to do something and the industry knows that."" The hybrid-electric propulsion engine acts as part of the solution toward lower emissions targets set across the industry. In addition to SWITCH, RTX is advancing hybrid-electric technologies through multiple demonstrator programmes applicable to a variety of future aircraft platforms.