RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada selected by Clean Aviation to lead PHARES hybrid-electric propulsion consortium

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RTX (NYSE:RTX) subsidiary Pratt & Whitney Canada has been selected to lead the PHARES (Powerplant Hybrid Application REgional Segment) project by the European Union's Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. This marks a historic milestone as the first Canadian company to lead a Clean Aviation program.

The project will involve collaboration with Collins Aerospace, ATR, and Airbus to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator targeting up to 20% improved fuel efficiency for regional aircraft. The system will combine an advanced PW127XT-derivative turboprop engine with Collins' 250 kW electric motor drive system and an optimized propeller gearbox.

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RTX strengthens its position in sustainable aviation by leading EU-backed hybrid-electric propulsion project targeting 20% fuel efficiency improvements.

Pratt & Whitney Canada's selection to lead the PHARES consortium represents a significant technological milestone for RTX in the sustainable aviation sector. This marks the first time a Canadian company will lead a program under the European Union's Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, positioning RTX at the forefront of regional aircraft decarbonization efforts.

The consortium's technical approach integrates an advanced PW127XT-derivative turboprop with a Collins 250 kW electric motor drive system through an optimized gearbox. This hybrid architecture demonstrates RTX's comprehensive systems integration capability, leveraging expertise across its business units. The target of up to 20% improved fuel efficiency for regional aircraft is particularly significant as it addresses a crucial market segment where full electrification remains challenging due to range requirements.

The strategic value of this project extends beyond technology development. By partnering with Airbus and ATR (a leading regional aircraft manufacturer), RTX secures relationships with potential implementation partners. These collaborations are vital for technology transition from laboratory to commercial application.

From a competitive standpoint, this leadership role in the PHARES project strengthens RTX's position in the sustainable aviation technology race. As environmental regulations tighten globally, early development of hybrid-electric systems creates a technological moat that competitors will need to overcome.

The alignment with the European Union's climate action plan also provides potential regulatory tailwinds, as future aircraft emission standards will likely favor solutions already in development through programs like Clean Aviation.

Selection marks the first time a Canadian company will participate in and lead a Clean Aviation program

LONGUEUIL, Quebec, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney Canada, an RTX business, has been selected by the European Union's Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (Clean Aviation) to lead the Powerplant Hybrid Application REgional Segment (PHARES) project. The selection marks the first time a Canadian company will participate in and lead a Clean Aviation program. As part of the PHARES consortium, Pratt & Whitney Canada will collaborate with RTX business Collins Aerospace, ATR, Airbus and other technology research organizations. PHARES is one of several projects RTX will participate in under Clean Aviation's third call for proposals.

For PHARES, Pratt & Whitney Canada will design and integrate a hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator targeting up to 20% improved fuel efficiency on regional aircraft missions. The hybrid-electric propulsion system will feature an advanced PW127XT-derivative turboprop engine connected to a Collins 250 kW electric motor drive system through an optimized propeller gearbox and incorporate thermal efficiency improvements. Collins will also develop an advanced propeller system to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise.

"Hybrid-electric propulsion and electrified aircraft systems are key parts of RTX's technology roadmap for optimizing performance and enhancing fuel efficiency across multiple future aircraft platforms, and PHARES represents a transformative opportunity to demonstrate the potential for regional aviation," said Maria Della Posta, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "Through our Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins businesses, we will leverage our industry-leading experience in propulsion and electric power systems, along with our state-of-the-art research facilities."

PHARES is part of Clean Aviation's Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft architecture. By enabling next-generation energy-efficient technologies for regional aircraft, this demonstrator is aligned with the European Union's climate action plan and supports the aviation industry's decarbonization ambitions.

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 successful European public-private partnership between the European Commission through Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme, and the European aeronautics industry. It has a budget of €4.1 billion divided into €1.7 billion in EU funding and no less than €2.4 billion in private funding. The programme's disruptive clean aviation technologies will help reduce the emission footprint of short-medium range and regional aircraft by no less than 30% compared to 2020 state-of-the-art aircraft. Clean Aviation builds on the knowledge and expertise of the Clean Sky programmes (2008-2024).

About RTX
RTX is the world's largest aerospace and defense company. With more than 185,000 global employees, we push 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 for operational success, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2024 sales of more than $80 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

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

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SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the PHARES project that RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada will lead?

PHARES (Powerplant Hybrid Application REgional Segment) is a Clean Aviation project to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion demonstrator targeting 20% improved fuel efficiency for regional aircraft.

How will RTX's hybrid-electric propulsion system for PHARES work?

The system will combine an advanced PW127XT-derivative turboprop engine with a Collins 250 kW electric motor drive system through an optimized propeller gearbox.

Why is RTX's selection for the PHARES project significant?

It marks the first time a Canadian company will participate in and lead a Clean Aviation program, demonstrating RTX's leadership in sustainable aviation technology.

Which companies are collaborating with RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada on PHARES?

The PHARES consortium includes Collins Aerospace (another RTX business), ATR, Airbus, and other technology research organizations.

How does the PHARES project align with environmental goals?

The project is part of Clean Aviation's Ultra-Efficient Regional Aircraft architecture and supports both the European Union's climate action plan and aviation industry's decarbonization goals.