High-Voltage Power Distribution Components Prototyping Completed

Collins Aerospace has completed prototype development of high-voltage power distribution components for the Clean Aviation SWITCH project, pending system integration testing By Abi Wylie / 30 Oct 2024

Power Distribution Units (PDU)

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
High-Voltage Power Distribution Components Prototyping Completed
Follow DA

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, has completed prototype development of a solid-state power controller and power distribution panel as part of the SWITCH project, supported by the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (Clean Aviation).

Following design and production in Nördlingen, the megawatt-class power distribution components will now be shipped to Collins’ state-of-the-art electric power systems lab, The Grid, in Rockford, Illinois for system integration testing.

To support hybrid-electric propulsion systems, new high-voltage distribution technologies are required as electric power levels increase from hundreds of kilowatts in today’s aircraft, to megawatt levels in the aircraft of the future. 

For SWITCH, RTX is developing a new hybrid-electric propulsion system that combines two Collins megawatt-class electric motor generators within a Pratt & Whitney GTFâ„¢ engine. With the ability to handle increased electric loads, Collins’ solid-state power controller and power distribution panel will enable the safe management of high-voltage electricity at altitude throughout the SWITCH hybrid-electric architecture.

Hybrid-electric propulsion is a central pillar of RTX’s sustainable aviation technology roadmap. In addition to SWITCH, RTX is advancing hybrid-electric technologies through multiple demonstrator programs applicable to a variety of future aircraft, including the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, STEP-Tech and Airbus PioneerLab.

Collins’ solid-state power controller was initially developed as part of a collaboration between the RTX Technology Research Center, Collins and Pratt & Whitney under NASA’s Advanced Air Vehicles Program.

Tino Schuldt, general manager for Collins’ Nördlingen facility, said, “Hybrid-electric aircraft are an integral part of the aviation industry’s drive to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, yet without new, safe high-voltage power distribution systems, they will not fly. 

“Here in Nördlingen, we’re leveraging our decades of experience in power distribution solutions and world-class facility to break new ground in the development of these critical enabling technologies for the next generation of hybrid-electric and all-electric platforms.”

Pierre Durel, project officer for SWITCH, added, “The hybrid-electric propulsion solution is one of the key features offered by the SWITCH consortium to reach the CO2 reduction target of our programme for short-medium range aircraft. 

“We are excited to see tangible technology bricks becoming available, representing the significant efforts made by the team to deliver critical items needed to run the ground test demonstrator by the end of Phase 1.”

The SWITCH project is a collaborative consortium including MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, Airbus and others. Funded by the European Union under GA no. 101102006 — SWITCH. 

Posted by Abi Wylie Edited by Abigail Wylie, Editor and Copywriter experienced in digital media with a keen interest in ocean science technology. Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Enhancing Border Security with the Sentinel Counter-Drone System

Alpine Eagle outlines the capabilities of its Sentinel counter-drone system to target the rising threats of weaponized drones at borders and critical infrastructure, leveraging AI-driven drone swarms to detect, track, and intercept UAS in real-time

Feb 10, 2025
Military Trial Showcases Robot Dog for Bomb Disposal

Robotic canines were used in a recent bomb disposal trial by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), aiming to minimize the dangers faced by military personnel and improve operational effectiveness

Feb 10, 2025
Teledyne FLIR Unveils Software Solution to Enhance UAS Automation & AI Capabilities

Teledyne FLIR introduces Prism Supervisor, enhancing UAS capabilities by integrating autopilot systems with AI-driven analytics, enabling real-time mission adaptation, automation, and synchronized multi-UAV operations for improved efficiency and success

Feb 10, 2025
U.S. Navy Navigation Capabilities Enhanced with Upgraded INS/GPS Technology

Northrop Grumman’s LN-251M upgrade enhances the U.S. Navy’s airborne navigation with advanced M-code technology, offering improved resistance to GPS jamming and spoofing threats

Feb 10, 2025
U.S. Army Orders Advanced Manpack & Leader Radios to Equip Soldiers

The U.S. Army has awarded L3Harris Technologies with full-rate production orders for its Manpack and Leader radios, delivering secure, resilient battlefield communications for soldiers

Feb 07, 2025
XENTA Air Defense Radar Upgraded with Cambridge Pixel Software

Cambridge Pixel has delivered a high-performance radar control and display system for Weibel Scientific’s XENTA surveillance radar, enhancing tracking, control, and integration capabilities

Feb 07, 2025

Featured Content

Creomagic Demonstrates Secure Backhaul Technology for Tactical Communications

Creomagic has successfully demonstrated a robust and secure backhaul solution for mobile LTE base stations, leveraging its CreoLand MANET technology in collaboration with a key defense partner

Feb 06, 2025
Greensea IQ Expands Defense Leadership with Record Growth

After successful contracts for the Bayonet AUGV with the US Navy, US Marine Corps, and foreign militaries, Greensea IQ has closed a record-breaking year of growth in 2024

Jan 31, 2025
Latest Software Bundle Released for ISR Quadcopter

PDW CORE is the latest software package from PDW featuring a user-friendly touch interface, a PDW flight simulator, mission planning tools, an ATAK plug-in, and a laptop-compatible C100 updater

Jan 30, 2025
Revector’s Latest 4-Channel Covert Solution for Tactical Operations

Revector’s newly launched IMSI locator, the 4-channel Portable Covert Unit 2.0, delivers improved performance, flexibility, and rugged design, tailored for demanding security, defense, and search-and-rescue operations

Jan 27, 2025
Galvion Releases New Helmets for Military & SAR

Galvion is exhibiting new helmets at SHOT Show 2025 in Las Vegas, The Batlskin Hellbender TE (Tactical Edition) and the Batlskin Caiman SAR (Search and Rescue)

Jan 23, 2025
What is MIL-DTL-38999?

Micropol breaks down the definition, benefits, and roles of the MIL-DTL-38999 connector, a robust and reliable cornerstone in modern military and aerospace connectivity

Jan 21, 2025