Pratt & Whitney, Collins Aerospace Unveil Hybrid-Electric Demonstrator

Pratt & Whitney and Collins Aerospace are launching a new hybrid-electric technology demonstrator program, furthering their commitment to a more eco-friendly future.

The Scalable Turboelectric Powertrain Technology demonstrator will be based at the Raytheon Technologies Research Center in East Hartford.

Hybrid-electric technology is an important part of both companies’ sustainable aviation and net zero carbon dioxide emissions goals.

“Innovation has always been at the heart of Pratt & Whitney, and we are delighted to expand our work on hybrid-electric technology by leveraging our close collaboration with Collins,” Pratt & Whitney senior vice president of engineering and technology Geoff Hunt said.

Capabilities 

The demonstrator platform allows engineers to quickly configure various prototypes. 

Leaders with the companies said the platform has end-to-end system capabilities, a high-efficiency turbogenerator, energy storage, power electronics, and modular electrically driven propulsors.

“Hybrid-electric offers the potential to not only unlock even greater efficiency in future aircraft, but also support the emergence of a whole new arena of advanced air mobility solutions,” Hunt said.

Collins Aerospace president of power and controls Henry Brooks, said the partnership helps the companies lead the way in advancing hybrid-electric technology.

“Our demonstrator programs will help mature technologies and components that can be adapted to a range of different applications, from smaller eVTOLs, to regional turboprops, to single-aisle airliners,” Brooks said.