Collins Aerospace reinforces aircraft electrification strategy

Collins Aerospace (Collins), an RTX business, is reinforcing its aircraft electrification strategy with the launch of a new engineering centre of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK, and the establishment of a dedicated production line for electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS™) in Colomiers, France. These developments represent a significant investment in the design, testing, and manufacturing of next-generation electric systems for commercial aircraft.

The Wolverhampton facility is focused on the engineering and development of elecTRAS, featuring advanced design and testing capabilities. It will operate in close collaboration with Collins’ Aerostructures headquarters in Chula Vista, California, and its electronic controls and motor systems centre in Solihull, UK. This integrated approach aims to accelerate innovation and streamline development processes.

In Colomiers, the new production line will carry out the final assembly of the elecTRAS units. This move is intended to improve manufacturing efficiency, increase nacelle integration capacity, and enhance support for European customers by being closer to key aerospace partners.

elecTRAS replaces traditional hydraulic-powered thrust reverser actuation systems, enabling nacelle designs that are easier to install and maintain while reducing system weight by 15–20%. This contributes to improved fuel efficiency and operational performance. Thrust reversers are a critical part of an aircraft’s nacelle system, used to redirect engine thrust and help decelerate aircraft upon landing.

Currently, Collins Aerospace supplies elecTRAS for the Airbus A350 family, which had over 600 aircraft in service by the end of 2024. With continued production into the next decade, elecTRAS has already accumulated around 11 million flight hours and 1.8 million flight cycles, underlining its reliability and maturity in active service.

Together, the Wolverhampton and Colomiers sites bolster Collins’ capabilities in electric propulsion technologies, positioning the company to meet growing global demand for more efficient and sustainable aircraft systems.