RTX's Collins Aerospace Expands Aircraft Electrification Capabilities in Europe

Collins Aerospace, a business of RTX, has enhanced its aircraft electrification capabilities by opening a new engineering center of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK, and launching a production line for electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS™) in Colomiers, France. The Wolverhampton facility focuses on the design and testing of next-generation electric thrust reverser systems, while the Colomiers site will handle their final assembly, boosting both production capacity and efficiency.

By replacing traditional hydraulic-powered thrust reverser actuation systems with elecTRAS, Collins offers nacelle systems that are lighter—reducing aircraft system weight by 15–20%—and easier to install and maintain. These innovations lead to improved fuel efficiency and operational performance. The Airbus A350 family already features Collins' elecTRAS as part of its nacelle systems, which help redirect engine thrust to slow the aircraft during landing.

The Colomiers assembly line expands Collins’ nacelle integration capabilities and reinforces its customer proximity in Europe. Together, these two new facilities strengthen the company’s ability to support its global customer base with more efficient electrification solutions.

According to Ajay Mahajan, president of Aerostructures at Collins Aerospace, "With decades of experience in nacelles, thrust reversers, and aircraft electrification, Collins' elecTRAS center of excellence and production line will bring together expertise from across the company to deliver new, innovative solutions for our customers and future platforms."

The Wolverhampton center will serve as the global engineering design hub for elecTRAS, working closely with Collins' Aerostructures headquarters in Chula Vista, California, as well as its electronic controls and motor systems center of excellence in Solihull, UK. This integrated global approach will help drive continued innovation in aircraft electrification.

With over 600 A350XWB aircraft in service by the end of 2024, Collins’ elecTRAS has accumulated approximately 11 million flight hours and 1.8 million flight cycles of operational experience—positioning it as a proven technology ready to power the next generation of electric aircraft systems.