Engines
Collins and P&W Unveil Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Systems
Pratt & Whitney is preparing to start ground and flights testing a new 1-MW electric motor from sister company Collins with one of its aircraft engines,
Collins Aerospace has developed a 1-MW electric motor to form part of a hybrid-electric propulsion system, initially to be deployed on regional airliners. (Image: Collins Aerospace)
Collins Aerospace has developed a 1-MW electric motor to form part of a hybrid-electric propulsion system, initially to be deployed on regional airliners. (Image: Collins Aerospace)

Collins Aerospace has completed the preliminary design for a new 1-MW electric motor that will serve as a key component of the new Regional Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator under development by its Raytheon group sister company Pratt & Whitney (P&W). The aircraft engine maker plans to start ground testing with the Collins motor later this year in preparation for the start of flight testing in 2024 in Montreal.

The demonstrator program, based on plans to reduce carbon emissions from regional aircraft, forms part of a wider spectrum of work on new propulsion technology within the Raytheon group. The efforts could eventually result in larger hybrid-electric powertrains for narrowbody airliners carrying 220 passengers on 3,000 nm sectors, delivering at least a 30 percent cut in emissions.