RTX to collaborate on hybrid-electric system for Airbus PioneerLab helicopter demonstrator

Rhea-AI Summary

RTX's Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace have been chosen by Airbus Helicopters to develop a hybrid-electric propulsion system for the PioneerLab technology demonstrator. Based on an H145 helicopter, the project aims to achieve up to 30% improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to conventional models.

The system will combine a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 engine derivative with two Collins Aerospace 250 kW electric motors and controllers through a common gearbox. Test flights are scheduled to begin in 2027 in Donauwörth, Germany. The project is supported by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Actions and the UK's Aerospace Technology Institute.

Positive

• Potential 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions
• Collaboration with major industry player Airbus Helicopters
• Leveraging existing expertise from other hybrid-electric demonstrator programs
• Government support from Germany and UK aerospace initiatives

Negative

• Test flights not scheduled until 2027, indicating a long development timeline
• Potential high development costs for new technology

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Project aims to demonstrate a fuel efficiency improvement of up to 30% compared to a conventional H145

LONDON, July 22, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Farnborough Air Show – Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace, businesses of RTX (NYSE: RTX), have been selected by Airbus Helicopters to support the development of a hybrid-electric propulsion system for its PioneerLab technology demonstrator. Based on a twin-engine H145 helicopter, PioneerLab aims to demonstrate the potential of hybrid-electric propulsion as well as aerodynamic improvements to enable up to 30% improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions compared to a conventionally powered aircraft.

For the PioneerLab demo, the helicopter's existing engines will be replaced by a hybrid-electric propulsion system comprised of a Pratt & Whitney Canada PW210 engine derivative linked with two Collins Aerospace 250 kW electric motors and controllers through a common gearbox. This hybrid-electric configuration is designed to enable optimized engine performance and improved efficiency, with the electric motors providing high torque capability during flight conditions such as take-off and landing. Test flights of the hybrid-electric propulsion system are targeted to begin in 2027 at Airbus Helicopters' site in Donauwörth, Germany.

"With world-class efficiency and reliability, Pratt & Whitney Canada's PW210 engine is very well-suited to perform as part of a hybrid-electric helicopter propulsion system," said Maria Della Posta, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada. "To help achieve the goals of this innovative project, we'll draw on expertise from our growing list of hybrid-electric demonstrator programs, including the RTX Hybrid-Electric Flight Demonstrator, STEP-Tech and SWITCH."

"The combined 250 kW motor and controller we're designing for PioneerLab are part of our family of electric motors and controllers that can be scaled up or down to meet the future electrification needs of aircraft across multiple segments," said Henry Brooks, president, Power & Controls for Collins Aerospace. "By serving as part of hybrid-electric propulsion architectures or helping to electrify onboard systems, these motors and controllers will support the aviation industry's commitment to reduce carbon emissions from future platforms."

PioneerLab is supported by Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Actions (BMWK) through its aerospace research program LuFo. Collins will develop the program's 250kW motor and controller at its Electronic Controls and Motor Systems center of excellence in Solihull, UK, with support provided by the UK's Aerospace Technology Institute.

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

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtx-to-collaborate-on-hybrid-electric-system-for-airbus-pioneerlab-helicopter-demonstrator-302202168.html

SOURCE RTX

FAQ

What is the fuel efficiency improvement target for the RTX PioneerLab helicopter demonstrator?

The PioneerLab technology demonstrator aims to achieve up to 30% improved fuel efficiency compared to a conventionally powered H145 helicopter.

When are test flights for RTX's hybrid-electric helicopter system scheduled to begin?

Test flights of the hybrid-electric propulsion system are targeted to begin in 2027 at Airbus Helicopters' site in Donauwörth, Germany.

Which RTX subsidiaries are involved in the Airbus PioneerLab project?

Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace, both businesses of RTX, are collaborating on the hybrid-electric system for the Airbus PioneerLab helicopter demonstrator.

What is the power output of the Collins Aerospace electric motors for the RTX PioneerLab project?

Collins Aerospace is developing 250 kW electric motors and controllers for the PioneerLab hybrid-electric propulsion system.