RTX's Collins Aerospace initiates powertrain testing for Clean Aviation SWITCH project at the Grid

Collins Aerospace (NYSE: RTX) began initial testing of hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems on March 16, 2026 at The Grid in Rockford, Illinois.

Rhea-AI Summary

Collins Aerospace (NYSE: RTX) began initial testing of hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems on March 16, 2026 at The Grid in Rockford, Illinois. Integrated lab tests validate motor generators, controllers and power distribution systems ahead of integration with a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator.

Key validated hardware includes two megawatt-class motor generators and high-voltage distribution components developed across UK, Germany and the Netherlands. SWITCH is funded by the European Union (GA no. 101102006) and involves Pratt & Whitney, Airbus, MTU, GKN and research partners.

Positive

• Initiated subsystem testing at The Grid on March 16, 2026
• Validated two megawatt-class motor generators for hybrid-electric integration
• Cross-border R&D with UK, Germany and Netherlands facilities producing key components
• Collaborative program partners include Pratt & Whitney, Airbus, MTU and GKN
• EU funding under GA no. 101102006 for the SWITCH project

Negative

• No firm timeline provided for full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF demonstrator integration

Argus Mar 16 session

+0.75% close to close Open Argus

Details

News Market Reaction – RTX

In the Mar 16 session, RTX gained 0.75%, reflecting a mild positive market reaction.

Data tracked by StockTitan Argus on the day of publication.

Market Context

This announcement highlights Collins Aerospace’s initial powertrain testing for the Clean Aviation S...

Analysis

This announcement highlights Collins Aerospace’s initial powertrain testing for the Clean Aviation SWITCH hybrid-electric project at The Grid, validating key subsystems like megawatt-class motor generators and power distribution. It complements RTX’s broader focus on advanced aerospace technologies seen in recent engine, autonomy and optics updates. Investors may watch for future phases integrating the hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF demonstrator and any follow-on contracts or regulatory disclosures that quantify commercial impact in short- and medium-range aircraft markets.

Key Figures

Motor generators: two megawatt-class motor generators EU grant number: GA no. 101102006

Motor generators

two megawatt-class motor generators

Key subsystems validated at The Grid for SWITCH hybrid-electric powertrain

EU grant number

GA no. 101102006

European Union funding reference for SWITCH project

Historical Context

5 past events · Latest: Mar 10

5 events

1. Mar 10

   Engine contract win

   24h Move

   -0.6%

   Follow-on TJ150 engine contract for AGM-190A small cruise missile.

2. Feb 25

   DARPA contract

   24h Move

   -1.3%

   DARPA XENA award to develop kilometer-range X-ray imaging algorithms.

3. Feb 25

   Optics contract

   24h Move

   -1.3%

   Raytheon ELCAN contract for customised Specter DR sights for Germany.

4. Feb 24

   Capacity expansion

   24h Move

   -1.7%

   Pratt & Whitney announcing $200M Columbus Forge investment to boost output.

5. Feb 20

   Autonomy test flight

   24h Move

   -0.2%

   Collins Sidekick autonomy software flown on GA-ASI YFQ-42A CCA platform.

24h Move is the share-price change in the day after each event; other market factors may also have contributed.

Key Terms

hybrid-electric, powertrain, motor generators, solid-state power controller, +3 more

7 terms

hybrid-electric technical

"demonstrating the hybrid-electric technology on a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF"

A hybrid-electric vehicle combines a conventional fuel engine (like gasoline or diesel) with an electric motor and battery so the two power sources share the job of moving the vehicle; think of a bicycle with both pedals and an electric assist. For investors, hybrids matter because they change fuel costs, maintenance needs, regulatory compliance and consumer demand patterns, which affect automakers’ sales, profit margins and supply chains.

powertrain technical

"The start of powertrain subsystem testing is a key step towards"

Powertrain is the collection of parts that generate and deliver motion in a vehicle — typically the engine or electric motor, transmission, driveshafts, axles and related control systems or batteries in electric models. It matters to investors because powertrain design and efficiency drive fuel economy, performance, production cost, regulatory compliance and warranty risk, all of which affect a maker’s competitiveness, profit margins and exposure to supply-chain or technology shifts; think of it as the vehicle’s heart and muscles.

motor generators technical

"including motor generators, controllers and power distribution systems"

Motor generators are electromechanical devices that convert electrical power from one form to another by turning electricity into motion and then back into electricity—think of them as a power “translator” that changes voltage, frequency or isolates equipment. Investors care because they are durable, high-cost industrial assets whose sales, maintenance and replacement cycles signal capital spending, operational reliability and demand in sectors like manufacturing, utilities and transportation, affecting revenue and long-term cash flow.

solid-state power controller technical

"power distribution components including a solid-state power controller and"

A solid-state power controller is an electronic device that turns, limits and protects electrical power to equipment using fast, reliable semiconductor switches instead of moving parts. Think of it as a traffic cop and safety gate for electricity that can react faster, be controlled remotely and require less maintenance than mechanical breakers. Investors care because it can lower operating costs, improve system uptime and enable more compact, efficient designs—factors that affect capital spending, service expenses and product competitiveness.

power distribution panel technical

"solid-state power controller and power distribution panel were designed"

A power distribution panel is a central electrical box that receives electricity from a main source and divides it into separate circuits to feed equipment or building areas, much like a traffic hub directing cars to different roads. For investors, it matters because the panel’s capacity, reliability, and safety affect operational uptime, maintenance costs and compliance risk for facilities that depend on continuous power—factors that influence asset value and profitability.

high voltage electrical wiring interconnection system technical

"The high voltage electrical wiring interconnection system developed by GKN"

A high voltage electrical wiring interconnection system is the network of heavy-duty cables, connectors and protective parts that carry large amounts of electricity between major components in products such as electric vehicles, industrial equipment or power systems. Like a highway and its on-ramps for electricity, it matters to investors because its design and quality affect safety, product performance, regulatory approval, manufacturing cost, reliability and the risk of recalls or warranty claims.

Clean Aviation technical

"for the European Union's Clean Aviation SWITCH project, a key step"

Clean aviation describes technologies, fuels and operational practices that cut aircraft pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, such as electric or hybrid propulsion, sustainable aviation fuels, more efficient engines and flight routing, or carbon reduction programs. It matters to investors because shifting to cleaner options can reduce regulatory and carbon costs, create new markets and long-term savings, and change which companies lead the industry—think of it as airlines and manufacturers moving from gasoline cars to electric and low-emission alternatives.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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Validation of key systems at the Grid will support future testing of full-scale hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine demonstrator

ROCKFORD, Ill., March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace has begun initial testing of the electric motor drive systems for the European Union's Clean Aviation SWITCH project, a key step towards demonstrating the hybrid-electric technology on a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF™ engine. Integrated lab tests of the hybrid-electric powertrain subsystem, including motor generators, controllers and power distribution systems, are taking place at "The Grid," Collins' advanced electric power systems lab in Rockford, Illinois. Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are RTX (NYSE: RTX) businesses.

The SWITCH project is focused on demonstrating the potential of hybrid-electric technologies to optimize engine efficiency across different phases of flight for future short- and medium-range aircraft. Key subsystems validated at The Grid, including two megawatt-class motor generators, will be integrated within a hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator as part of the next phase of testing.

"The start of powertrain subsystem testing is a key step towards demonstrating the potential of applying more electric systems to future commercial aircraft," said Kristin Smith, vice president, Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace. "Hybrid-electric technology has the potential to transform aviation by enabling greater fuel efficiency across multiple future platforms, including next generation single-aisle aircraft."

The SWITCH powertrain incorporates multiple key components developed at world-class research and development facilities across Europe. Collins Aerospace designed and produced megawatt-class electric motor and controllers at its Solihull, UK facility, while power distribution components including a solid-state power controller and power distribution panel were designed in Nördlingen, Germany. The high voltage electrical wiring interconnection system developed by GKN Aerospace was built in Papendrecht, Netherlands.

SWITCH is a collaborative effort involving MTU Aero Engines AG, Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace, GKN Aerospace, Airbus and several European research institutions. Collins Aerospace is also engaged in multiple ongoing Clean Aviation projects targeted at enabling hybrid-electric propulsion and more electric aircraft architectures across regional and short- and medium- range platforms.  

Funded by the European Union under GA no. 101102006 — SWITCH. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Clean Aviation. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is a leader in integrated and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Our 80,000 employees are dedicated to delivering future-focused technologies to advance sustainable and connected aviation, passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and more.

About RTX  
With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. 

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 30% and -50% for regional range aircraft.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact corporatepr@rtx.com.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtxs-collins-aerospace-initiates-powertrain-testing-for-clean-aviation-switch-project-at-the-grid-302713982.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What did Collins Aerospace announce about hybrid-electric testing on March 16, 2026 (RTX)?

Collins Aerospace began initial integrated lab testing of hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems at The Grid. According to Collins Aerospace, tests validate motor generators, controllers and power distribution ahead of integration with a full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF demonstrator.

Which components did Collins Aerospace validate at The Grid for the SWITCH project (RTX)?

The Grid validated motor generators, controllers and power distribution systems, including two megawatt-class motor generators. According to Collins Aerospace, these subsystems will be integrated into a hybrid-electric Pratt & Whitney GTF engine demonstrator in the next testing phase.

How is the SWITCH project funded and who are the partners (RTX)?

SWITCH is funded by the European Union under GA no. 101102006 and involves major aerospace partners. According to Collins Aerospace, partners include Pratt & Whitney, Airbus, MTU, GKN and several European research institutions.

What was produced in Europe for the SWITCH powertrain tested by Collins Aerospace (RTX)?

Megawatt-class motors and controllers were produced in Solihull, UK, with power distribution hardware from Germany and wiring systems from the Netherlands. According to Collins Aerospace, key components were developed across those European facilities.

What is the investor relevance of Collins Aerospace starting SWITCH powertrain tests (RTX)?

Starting subsystem tests signals technical progress toward hybrid-electric demonstrator readiness but lacks commercial timelines. According to Collins Aerospace, validated subsystems are a preparatory step before full-scale Pratt & Whitney GTF integration, with next-phase timing not disclosed.