RTX completes preliminary design review of hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine demonstrator for Clean Aviation SWITCH project
Rhea-AI Summary
RTX (NYSE: RTX) has completed the preliminary design review for a hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator engine as part of the SWITCH project, supported by the European Union's Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. The system combines two Collins Aerospace megawatt-class electric motor generators within a Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine, aiming to enhance efficiency and reduce emissions for future short- and medium-range aircraft.
The SWITCH project involves collaboration between MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, and Airbus. Testing of the electric powertrain will occur at Collins' facility, The Grid, in Rockford, IL, before full-scale GTF demonstrator engine assembly and testing. This initiative is part of RTX's broader technology roadmap for sustainable aviation, which includes other demonstrator programs like STEP-Tech and the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator.
Positive
- Completion of preliminary design review for hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator engine
- Potential to enhance engine efficiency and reduce fuel burn and emissions
- Collaboration with major industry players in the SWITCH consortium
- Part of RTX's broader technology roadmap for sustainable aviation
Negative
- None.
News Market Reaction
On the day this news was published, RTX gained 0.93%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.
Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.
Hybrid-electric propulsion technology has potential to increase efficiency and reduce emissions for future aircraft applications
"Completing the preliminary design review is a significant milestone toward demonstrating the potential of hybrid-electric technology to further enhance the performance and efficiency of next generation aircraft propulsion systems," said Juan de Bedout, chief technology officer, RTX. "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."
The SWITCH hybrid-electric propulsion system comprises two megawatt-class electric motor generators mounted on the low spool and high spool of the GTF engine, along with associated motor controllers, high voltage wiring and batteries. Testing of the electric powertrain is planned to take place at Collins' state-of-the-art electric power systems development facility, The Grid, in
The SWITCH project (Sustainable Water Injecting Turbofan Comprising Hybrid-Electrics) is a collaborative consortium including MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace and Airbus, and aims to demonstrate the potential of hybrid-electric and water-enhanced turbofan technologies to enable improvements in aircraft fuel efficiency and reduced emissions.
Hybrid-electric propulsion is a key part of RTX's technology roadmap for enabling more sustainable aviation. In addition to SWITCH, RTX is advancing hybrid-electric technologies through multiple demonstrator programs applicable to a variety of future aircraft platforms, including STEP-Tech and the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, supported by the governments of
About Clean Aviation
The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is the European Union's leading research and innovation programme for transforming aviation towards a sustainable and climate-neutral future. It is a European public-private partnership. The programme's disruptive clean aviation technologies will help reduce CO2 of short-medium range aircraft by no less than
About RTX
With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of
For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com
View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtx-completes-preliminary-design-review-of-hybrid-electric-pratt--whitney-gtf-engine-demonstrator-for-clean-aviation-switch-project-302202171.html
SOURCE RTX
FAQ
What is the SWITCH project that RTX (NYSE: RTX) is involved in?
What milestone has RTX (NYSE: RTX) achieved in the SWITCH project as of July 22, 2024?
How does the hybrid-electric propulsion system in the SWITCH project work?
Where will RTX (NYSE: RTX) conduct testing for the SWITCH project's electric powertrain?
