RTX STEP-Tech hybrid-electric demonstrator continues to progress in lab tests

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX has achieved a significant milestone in developing its hybrid-electric STEP-Tech demonstrator, validating sustained operation of key components and energy transfer through a high-voltage electrical network. The STEP-Tech program aims to prototype distributed propulsion concepts in the 100-500kW class, scalable to 1MW+, for various next-generation aircraft platforms.

The company has successfully tested the battery system's ability to start the thermal engine and use electrical power from the turbogenerator to charge propulsor motor batteries. These tests were conducted at RTX's Technology Research Center in East Hartford, Connecticut, featuring an 800-volt electrical architecture for aerospace applications.

RTX's hybrid-electric initiatives, including STEP-Tech, position the company to offer advanced propulsion technologies for improved fuel efficiency across various aircraft segments, supporting the aviation industry's goals of reduced carbon emissions and sustainable flight.

Positive

• Successful validation of STEP-Tech demonstrator's key components and energy transfer
• Potential applications for various next-generation aircraft platforms
• Scalable technology from 100-500kW to 1MW and beyond
• Positions RTX to offer advanced propulsion technologies for improved fuel efficiency
• Supports aviation industry's goals of reduced carbon emissions and sustainable flight

Negative

• None.

LONDON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Farnborough Air Show – RTX (NYSE: RTX) today announced it has completed a significant milestone in the development of its hybrid-electric STEP-Tech (Scalable Turboelectric Powertrain Technology) demonstrator. The company has successfully validated sustained operation of the thermal engine, electrical generator, battery system and propulsors to demonstrate energy transfer between these components through the high-voltage electrical network.

As a modular demonstrator program, STEP-Tech is intended for prototyping future distributed propulsion concepts in the 100-500kW class, with capability to scale to 1MW and beyond. These concepts could have application for a range of next-generation platforms, including advanced air mobility vehicles, high-speed electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft and blended wing body aircraft.

"When combined with RTX's other hybrid-electric demonstrator programs, STEP-Tech positions us to offer advanced propulsion technologies that enable greater fuel efficiency across all future aircraft segments, from advanced air mobility to large commercial," said Juan de Bedout, chief technology officer for RTX. "These new hybrid-electric architectures are key to our strategy for supporting the aviation industry's goal of reduced carbon emissions and more sustainable flight."

RTX has validated the capability of STEP-Tech's battery system to start the thermal engine and use electrical power produced by the turbogenerator to charge the batteries used to drive the propulsor motors. This follows previous tests of each of STEP-Tech's system components, including the first engine run at partial power and the electrical system integration test. All tests were conducted at the RTX Technology Research Center in East Hartford, Connecticut, which features a class-leading 800-volt electrical architecture designed for aerospace applications.

In addition to STEP-Tech, RTX's other hybrid-electric propulsion programs address a range of future aircraft applications up to single-aisle, including the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, supported by the governments of Canada and Quebec, and the SWITCH project, which is supported by the European Union's Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking.

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 $69 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 STEP-Tech demonstrator program by RTX (NYSE: RTX)?

STEP-Tech (Scalable Turboelectric Powertrain Technology) is RTX's hybrid-electric demonstrator program for prototyping future distributed propulsion concepts in the 100-500kW class, scalable to 1MW and beyond. It aims to develop advanced propulsion technologies for next-generation aircraft platforms.

What milestone has RTX (NYSE: RTX) achieved with the STEP-Tech demonstrator in July 2024?

RTX has successfully validated sustained operation of the thermal engine, electrical generator, battery system, and propulsors, demonstrating energy transfer between these components through a high-voltage electrical network.

How does the STEP-Tech program contribute to RTX's (NYSE: RTX) strategy for sustainable aviation?

STEP-Tech positions RTX to offer advanced propulsion technologies that enable greater fuel efficiency across future aircraft segments, supporting the aviation industry's goal of reduced carbon emissions and more sustainable flight.

Where are the STEP-Tech demonstrator tests conducted by RTX (NYSE: RTX)?

The STEP-Tech demonstrator tests are conducted at the RTX Technology Research Center in East Hartford, Connecticut, which features a class-leading 800-volt electrical architecture designed for aerospace applications.