RTX company Collins Aerospace has expanded its aircraft electrification capabilities with the introduction of a new engineering centre in Wolverhampton, UK, and a new electric thrust reverser actuation systems production line in Colomiers, France.
The Wolverhampton centre focuses on developing next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS) for commercial aircraft, featuring design and test capabilities. The Colomiers centre will handle the final assembly of these systems.
Switching from traditional systems to elecTRAS, Collins said it can design nacelle systems that can be more easily installed and maintained by its customers. In addition, the aircraft system's weight is reduced by 15-20%.
“With decades of experience in nacelles, thrust reversers, and aircraft electrification, Collins' elecTRAS centre of excellence and production line will bring together expertise from across the company to deliver new, innovative solutions for our customers and future platforms,” said Collins Aerospace president of aerostructures Ajay Mahajan.
The new Wolverhampton site will serve as the engineering design centre for elecTRAS, collaborating closely with Collins' Aerostructures headquarters in Chula Vista, California and other global engineering centres.
Collins said that with over 600 A350XWB aircraft in service at the end of last year, elecTRAS has accrued around 11 million flight hours and 1.8 million flight cycles of in-service operational experience.