Pratt & Whitney Canada Selects Latecoere to Design and Build Structural Composite Assembly for RTX Hybrid-electric Flight Demonstrator Program

Rhea-AI Summary

Latecoere and Comtek Advanced Structures, subsidiaries of Pratt & Whitney Canada, have been chosen to design a major structural assembly for the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator program. This collaboration aims to develop hybrid-electric propulsion technology to reduce CO2 emissions in aviation. Latecoere will design the underwing fairing for the experimental aircraft, showcasing their expertise in aerostructures engineering and composite materials.

Insights

Aerospace Engineer

The collaboration between Latecoere and Pratt & Whitney Canada signifies a significant advancement in the aerospace industry, specifically in the realm of hybrid-electric propulsion systems. The design and construction of an underwing fairing for the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator program is a testament to the ongoing efforts to enhance aircraft efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. The integration of a highly efficient thermal engine with a 1 MW motor represents an innovative leap towards achieving a 30% improvement in fuel burn over current regional turboprop aircraft.

From an engineering perspective, the challenges in creating such an assembly include ensuring structural integrity while accommodating the additional weight and complexity of a hybrid-electric system. The use of all-composite materials is crucial, as it contributes to weight reduction, which is essential for maintaining performance and efficiency. The articulated design must also account for the dynamic stresses encountered during flight, particularly in the integration with the propulsion system on the starboard inner wing.

Environmental Analyst

The project's alignment with the industry's goal of net-zero CO2 emissions for aviation is a significant step towards environmental sustainability. The potential 30% reduction in fuel burn and subsequent CO2 emissions reduction is a clear environmental benefit that aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. As aviation is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, advancements in propulsion technology that lead to more efficient aircraft can have a substantial impact on the industry's carbon footprint.

Moreover, the cross-industry collaboration led by Pratt & Whitney Canada exemplifies the collective approach required to address environmental challenges within the aerospace sector. The successful implementation of this technology could serve as a blueprint for future sustainable aviation initiatives and potentially influence regulatory standards and environmental policies.

Market Research Analyst

The strategic partnership between Latecoere and Pratt & Whitney Canada may have significant implications for the aerospace market. Latecoere's role in designing and building a critical component for the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator program could enhance its market position and reputation as an innovator in aerospace technology. This could potentially lead to increased demand for Latecoere's services and open up new market opportunities, particularly as the industry shifts towards more sustainable technologies.

Investors and stakeholders in the aerospace sector should monitor the progress of this project closely, as its success could signal a shift in demand towards hybrid-electric propulsion systems and potentially impact the stock performance of companies involved in this technological frontier. The emphasis on sustainability and innovation could also attract interest from environmentally conscious investors and align with broader market trends towards ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing.

TOULOUSE, France--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Regulatory News:

Latecoere (Paris:LAT) and its subsidiary company Comtek Advanced Structures have been selected by leading engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney Canada to design and build a major structural assembly for the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator program. Pratt & Whitney is an RTX (NYSE: RTX) business.

Pratt & Whitney Canada is leading a cross-industry collaboration to develop hybrid-electric propulsion technology which aims to support the industry’s goal of net-zero CO₂ emissions for aviation. Latecoere will design and build the underwing fairing, an all-composite 2-meter-long and articulated assembly mounted with the hybrid-electric propulsion system on the starboard inner wing of the experimental aircraft testbed.

Greg Huttner, CEO of Latecoere, said: “Our aerostructures engineering track record, Comtek’s long history of collaborating with Pratt & Whitney Canada, and our newly combined composite expertise since Latecoere acquired Comtek in 2022, were key assets to win this business. This further validates our M&A strategy to create value and is fully aligned with our purpose to deliver innovative solutions for a more sustainable world.”

Combining a highly efficient Pratt & Whitney Canada thermal engine with an industry-leading 1 MW motor developed by Collins Aerospace, also an RTX business, this new hybrid-electric propulsion technology will drive significant improvements in aircraft efficiency by optimizing performance across different phases of flight. The project is targeting a 30% improvement in fuel burn and reduced CO₂ emissions, compared to a modern regional turboprop aircraft.

Jean Thomassin, Executive Director, New Products and Services Introduction, Pratt & Whitney Canada, said: “This project draws together collaborators from around the world, strengthening Canada’s leadership in aerospace innovation. Since completing our first engine run in December 2022, we continue to make good progress towards flight testing, and welcome the expertise of Latecoere and their Canadian division Comtek Advanced Structures to help realize that goal.”

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About Latecoere

Tier 1 to the world’s leading OEMs (Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Bombardier, Dassault Aviation, Embraer, Honda Aircraft Company, Lockheed Martin, RTX, Thales), Latecoere serves aerospace with innovative solutions for a sustainable world. The Group operates in all segments of the aerospace industry (commercial, regional, business, defense and space) in two business areas:

• Aerostructures (55% of sales): doors, fuselage, wings and empennage, struts & rods and customer services;
• Interconnection Systems (45% of sales): wiring, avionic racks, onboard equipment, electronic systems and customer services.

As of December 31, 2023, the Group employed 5,497 people in 14 countries. Latecoere is listed on Euronext Paris - Compartment B, ISIN Code: FR001400JY13 - Reuters: AEP.PA - Bloomberg: AT.FP

About Comtek Advanced Structures

Comtek Advanced Structures, a Latecoere company, is a leading supplier of composite components and repair services for business, regional, aero-engine and special mission aerospace markets. As a highly technical, full-service supplier, Comtek supports aircraft programs across all stages from conception to end of life. Comtek’s Out-of-Autoclave process expertise allows the development of cost-effective, lightweight components that support the goals of industry-leading OEMs.

Located in Burlington, Ontario, Comtek supports airline operators and MRO centres with structural component repair services and aftermarket floor panels for regional aircraft. As a Design Approval Organization (DAO), Comtek is able to design and approve proprietary repairs for extensively damaged components and return heavily damaged components to service.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240214606459/en/

Thierry Mahé / Media Relations

+33 (0)6 60 69 63 85

LatecoereGroupCommunication@latecoere.aero

Source: Latecoere

FAQ

What is Latecoere's role in the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator program?

Latecoere, along with its subsidiary Comtek Advanced Structures, has been selected to design and build a major structural assembly for the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator program.

Who is leading the cross-industry collaboration for hybrid-electric propulsion technology?

Pratt & Whitney Canada is leading the cross-industry collaboration to develop hybrid-electric propulsion technology.

What are the goals of the hybrid-electric propulsion technology?

The aim of the hybrid-electric propulsion technology is to support the industry's goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions for aviation.

What improvements are expected in aircraft efficiency with the new technology?

The new hybrid-electric propulsion technology is targeting a 30% improvement in fuel burn and reduced CO2 emissions, compared to a modern regional turboprop aircraft.

Who are the key collaborators in the project?

Key collaborators in the project include Pratt & Whitney Canada, Collins Aerospace, Latecoere, and Comtek Advanced Structures.