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
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SOURCE RTX