Collins Aerospace Opens Next-Generation Aircraft Actuation Systems Engineering Center of Excellence in Wolverhampton, UK
Collins Aerospace has fully activated its Engineering Center of Excellence in Wolverhampton, England, focused on developing next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS). The technology eliminates hydraulic interfaces, delivering 15–20% weight savings, and has logged over 15 million flight hours across more than 700 Airbus A350 aircraft in commercial service.
Highlights
- Collins Aerospace formally activated its Engineering Center of Excellence in Wolverhampton, England on July 9, 2026, dedicated to next-generation aircraft actuation systems.
- The center's core technology, elecTRAS, eliminates hydraulic interfaces in nacelle actuation systems and delivers 15–20% weight savings at the integrated aircraft system level.
- elecTRAS has accumulated over 15 million flight hours and 2.2 million flight cycles across more than 700 Airbus A350 aircraft in commercial service as of 2025.
- The facility's modular, scalable design allows simultaneous support for multiple development programs and system variants, reducing timelines and costs.
- Collins Aerospace Advanced Structures President Ajay Mahajan stated the center supports the industry's transition to more-electric aircraft systems, aligned with OEM objectives for fuel efficiency and maintainability.
Collins Aerospace Opens Next-Generation Aircraft Actuation Engineering Center of Excellence in Wolverhampton, UK
Collins Aerospace announced on July 9, 2026, that its Engineering Center of Excellence in Wolverhampton, England, is now fully operational, dedicated to the development of next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems.
The facility features modular, scalable test infrastructure designed to drive innovation across aircraft actuation system design, testing, and airworthiness certification.
Core Technology: elecTRAS Electric Thrust Reverser Actuation System
The center's primary mission is to advance Collins Aerospace's elecTRAS (electric Thrust Reverser Actuation System). This technology eliminates the need for hydraulic interfaces and hydraulic fluid in nacelle actuation systems, achieving 15–20% weight savings at the integrated aircraft system level.
elecTRAS is already in commercial service aboard the Airbus A350 family. As of 2025, the system has accumulated more than 15 million flight hours and 2.2 million flight cycles across over 700 aircraft.
Testing Capabilities
The Wolverhampton facility can simulate real-world flight environment conditions for aircraft components, actuators, subsystems, and complete systems. By feeding early test results directly into system analysis workflows, engineers can rapidly identify and resolve potential issues, reducing the risk of delays during the development cycle.
The modular design philosophy also allows the facility to support multiple development programs and system variants simultaneously, further lowering both development timelines and costs.
Leadership Comment: Commitment to More-Electric Aircraft Systems
Ajay Mahajan, President of Collins Aerospace's Advanced Structures business unit, said the center reflects the company's long-term commitment to more-electric aircraft systems.
"This unique modular approach supports the industry's transition to more-electric systems, aligning with OEM forward-looking objectives while enhancing fuel efficiency, operational performance, and ease of maintenance," Mahajan said.
The center co-locates elecTRAS system development with nacelle actuation design expertise, significantly improving cross-team collaboration. Engineers at the facility are actively developing electric systems, intelligent algorithms, and motor control architectures, while continuing to provide technical support for in-service aircraft.
原文來源： 查看原文
FAQ
Newsletter
Subscribe to our Low-Altitude Industry Newsletter
Daily curated news on low-altitude economy and drone industry, delivered to your inbox.
Reviewed and published by the LAETimes editorial desk ·
