Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies (RTX) business, inaugurated The Grid, a state-of-the-art electric power systems lab, in Rockford, Illinois. This $50 million facility will serve as a hub for developing and testing key components for hybrid-electric propulsion and more electric systems, contributing to the aviation industry’s goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
The Grid boasts 25,000 square feet of space and an initial test capability of 8 megawatts (MW). It enables Collins Aerospace to create advanced electric motors, controllers, generators, and distribution systems. Among its applications, The Grid will be used to test the 1MW motor for the RTX hybrid-electric flight demonstrator and the European Union’s Clean Aviation SWITCH program, along with the 1MW generator for the Air Force Research Laboratory.
At the facility’s opening, Collins Aerospace showcased its 1MW motor and introduced a 250 kilowatt motor. The company’s technology roadmap includes the development of a family of electric motors that can be scaled to meet the needs of various aircraft segments, providing a versatile solution to support aviation electrification.
The inauguration of The Grid marks a significant step toward accelerating the adoption of electric power systems in aviation, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the industry.