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

Pratt & Whitney Canada and Collins Aerospace, businesses of 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."

RTX's Collins Aerospace announces Clean Aviation HECATE project has achieved preliminary design review

Collins Aerospace announced the European Union's Clean Aviation HECATE project has achieved Preliminary Design Review. The HECATE consortium is comprised of multiple European aerospace industry partners, including Collins, Safran, Airbus Defence and Space, Leonardo and several universities. Collins, through its Applied Research & Technology organization and Power & Controls business, leads the project's steering committee, while Safran serves as technical coordinator.

HECATE, which stands for Hybrid-ElectriC regional Aircraft distribution TEchnologies, has accomplished a number of milestones toward its ultimate goal of demonstrating a 500kW hybrid-electric architecture in ground tests at TRL5 by 2025. In cooperation with the consortium partners, Collins has achieved PDR for the project's power conversion and secondary distribution systems, while Safran has achieved PDR for the primary distribution, power management systems and cabling. Airbus Defence & Space and Leonardo continue to provide the airframer perspective, supporting requirements and validation activities. All top-level project requirements, including the electrical distribution architecture, have been defined and the program is on track to achieve TRL4 and Critical Design Review by year's end.

RTX's Collins Aerospace introduces its Helix™ next-generation main cabin seat

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business introduced its Helix™ main cabin seat for narrow body aircraft at the 2024 Aircraft Interiors Expo. Helix is intelligently engineered to reduce weight in comparison to previous generations of economy class seats while maintaining ergonomic comfort and improving living space without impacting cabin density.

"Helix seating was developed with three key pillars in mind – comfort, reliability and sustainability," said Christophe Blanc, vice president and general manager of Aircraft Seating at Collins Aerospace. "The contemporary design increases passenger living space and under seat stowage, while the seat back is optimized to accommodate a greater number of integrated inflight entertainment (IFE) solutions, literature pockets and full-sized meal trays.

RTX's Collins Aerospace receives EASA approval for Pro Line Fusion® retrofits on Cessna aircraft

       Cessna Citation CJ1+/2+ aircraft registered in Europe can now be upgraded with the advanced functionality of the Collins Aerospace Pro Line Fusion® integrated avionics system after receiving certification approval from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Collins Aerospace is an RTX business.

"Clearing this certification hurdle is a major step forward in providing European CJ customers with a solution that not only enhances their aircraft operations but can also extend the life and functionality of an aircraft," said Nathan Voight, vice president and general manager, Business and Regional Avionics at Collins Aerospace. "This milestone underscores Collins' commitment to supporting the global network of CJ operators with the flight deck technology that makes operations safer, more efficient and predictable each and every flight."

Fusion's modularity and intuitive technology integration improves pilot workload, providing real-time data, visual clarity and predictability that simplifies operations during the most critical stages of flight.  

As European airspace continues to modernize, Fusion's suite of technology enhancements work together to enable precision approaches, facilitate efficient flight paths and ensure pinpoint positioning, even in remote areas – enabling pilots to confidently navigate evolving and diverse airspace regulations.

A Pro Line Fusion demo is on display at Collins Aerospace booth K72 during the 2024 EBACE show in Geneva, Switzerland.

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easyJet collaborates with RTX to enhance operations

The low-cost carrier becomes the largest A320 operator to roll out Collins GlobalConnect

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, is working with easyJet to activate GlobalConnectSM connected aircraft services on more than 330 Airbus aircraft in its fleet. easyJet will become the largest A320 operator in the world to deploy GlobalConnect. This new capability enhances safety oversight, pilot training and operational efficiencies.

The Collins GlobalConnect solution enables the already-installed Flight Operations and Maintenance Exchanger system (FOMAX), jointly developed with Airbus, to provide easyJet valuable insights into its fleet operations, enabling proactive decision-making and more efficient airline operations.

The adoption of this data exchange and analytics capability also brings the potential to simplify the avionics architecture, leading to further fuel efficiency gains through the gradual removal of quick access recorders. The airline projects that cutting this additional weight could save up to 500 tonnes of carbon per year when rolled out fleet-wide.

RTX's Collins Aerospace business signs MRO agreement with Envoy Airlines

 

RTX announced its Collins Aerospace business has signed a FlightSense flight-hour contract with Envoy Air. Under the multi-year agreement, Collins will provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services for a number of systems across Envoy's fleet of 128 Embraer E175 aircraft. Collins' products covered under the contract include electric power, fire protection and sensors, among others. 

"Our new agreement with Envoy builds on our existing support for the airline's Embraer fleet, further expanding Collins' relationship with one of America's largest regional carriers," said Cory May, vice president, Aftermarket Business Development for Collins Aerospace. "By providing Envoy with a maintenance program tailored to its unique operational requirements, we will help the airline reduce repair time and costs, while maximizing operational efficiency."

"We're pleased to reach an agreement with Collins Aerospace to enhance our maintenance program as we serve thousands of customers every day," said John Nicks, Envoy senior vice president, Corporate Services. "This multi-year agreement will help ensure that our aircraft are safe, compliant and ready to meet the demands of our airline operation for years to come."

Collins Aerospace is a business of RTX, the largest aerospace and defence company in the world. Our global team of 73,000 employees dreams, designs and delivers smarter, more connected solutions for passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and operational efficiency and sustainability. 

Japan Airlines now using RTX to improve predictive maintenance

Japan Airlines now using RTX to improve predictive maintenance

 

 

Collins Aerospace Ascentia® tool to be installed on over 50 aircraft 

Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, and Japan Airlines (JAL) announced this week that JAL will use Collins Aerospace's Ascentia maintenance performance monitoring solution on its Boeing 787 fleet.

"Ascentia is a valuable addition to our maintenance program," said Harada Kuniharu, Manager Reliability Group, System Engineering Office at JAL Engineering Co., Ltd. "By using Ascentia, we can further improve our maintenance operations and provide our passengers with a safer and even more reliable travel experience."

The cloud-based predictive maintenance solution uses advanced data analytics and machine learning algorithms to help airlines improve maintenance operations and increase aircraft reliability. By analyzing flight data and maintenance records in real-time, Ascentia can help predict potential maintenance issues and provide recommendations for corrective actions before they occur, which helps to reduce unscheduled downtime and improve aircraft availability.

RTX conducts successful lab demonstration of EPACS power thermal management system for F-35

RTX has conducted a successful lab test of its Enhanced Power and Cooling System (EPACS), developed by its Collins Aerospace business. EPACS is designed to support F-35 Block 4 modernization and future upgrades. The company anticipates EPACS will achieve Technology Readiness Level 6 in 2023 and be ready to begin an Engineering & Manufacturing Development program as early as 2024.

Through its more efficient thermodynamic cycle, EPACS provides significantly more cooling capacity to the platform and requires less energy from the engine, thus helping to unlock improved engine performance and durability. The system will deliver more than twice the current cooling capability to support additional growth beyond Block 4 and is expected to provide enough cooling capacity for the life of the aircraft. In addition, EPACS fits within the existing envelope and is intended to be compatible with all three F-35 variants.

Engineered to supply cooling, main engine start and emergency power functionality for the F-35, EPACS includes an air cycle system, electric power generator and controller from Collins along with an auxiliary power unit from Pratt & Whitney.

"By leveraging proven technologies already in service on commercial and military aircraft, EPACS is a mature system that will help maximize F-35 performance for decades to come," said Ira Grimmett, vice president, Environmental & Airframe Control Systems for Collins Aerospace. "Using our state-of-the-art test lab in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, we have begun demonstrating the system's capacity to deliver more than twice the current cooling capability, validating EPACS as the best solution for Block 4 and beyond. We are excited for the opportunity to work with Lockheed Martin and the Joint Program Office to bring this solution forward."

Aurora - a premium lie flat business class suite designed for single aisle aircraft.......

Aurora, the fully lie-flat Business Class suite designed exclusively for narrow-body aircraft.  

"Aurora's exceptional comfort, space and thoughtful amenities offer travellers a luxurious retreat, providing an elevated experience harmonized with wide body standards," said Cynthia Muklevicz, Vice President of Business Development at Collins Aerospace. "Intelligent design, engineering and integration provide premium levels of privacy, living area and customizable options without impacting cabin density and allows customers to make Aurora uniquely theirs." 

Aurora's seamless integration with existing or bespoke cabin furniture optimizes footprint, functionality and service. 

Incorporating directly into existing or bespoke front and aft structures, Aurora maximizes cabin density while increasing crew work areas and storage. 

The integrated design gives cabins a more spacious and open feel.  

Aurora is uniquely configured, optimizing passenger living space and storage options within the suite.  

The seat width is maximized, giving passengers more room than existing solutions.  

Passengers are set deeper into the seatback and next to the window – increasing privacy and maintaining 78 inches of bed length. 

An array of customization opportunities is available with Aurora. 

Aurora optimizes privacy with or without a door. 

The suite shell can be modified to include a privacy divider – handy if traveling with a companion. 

Bespoke trim and finish options are available throughout, ensuring complimentary brand design language. 

Aurora is scheduled to deliver to its first customers beginning in 2024.

Collins Aerospace will work on multiple European air traffic management projects to manage conventional aircraft, drones, air taxis and vehicles flying at higher altitudes.

Raytheon Technologies firm Collins Aerospace has been selected to participate in eight projects under the European Union's SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking. A collaboration between European private and public partners, the SESAR 3 JU aims to accelerate the delivery of the Digital European Sky through the development of new technologies to manage conventional aircraft, drones, air taxis and vehicles flying at higher altitudes. It is harnessing, developing and accelerating the take-up of the most cutting-edge technological solutions to manage the skies as they get busier. 

As part of the initiative, Collins will work with the air traffic management value chain, including air navigation service providers, airlines, aircraft OEMs, system providers and academia to help create new innovations in key technology focus areas such as connectivity, U-space, trajectory-based operations, airport solutions, autonomy and data services. Collins will lead the JARVIS (Just A Rather Very Intelligent System) project that will leverage artificial intelligence-based technologies to increase automation in the flight deck and control tower operations as a way to reduce pilot and operator workload while enhancing safety and security.  

"Collins has decades of experience in avionics and air traffic management that we will bring to bear under the EU's SESAR 3 JU as we work with our industry partners to chart the future of the European sky," said Mauro Atalla, senior vice president, Engineering & Technology for Collins. "Together, we will develop new solutions that will form the foundation of a future system that is more efficient, safe and secure."

Collins Aerospace's InteliSence™ intelligent cabin wins a Crystal Cabin Award for advancing passenger comfort.

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, has been named a winner of a 2023 Crystal Cabin Award – the only international award for excellence in aircraft interior innovation.

Placing first in the Passenger Comfort category, Collins' InteliSence™ intelligent cabin is an intuitive, integrated intelligence system, providing cabin crew and maintenance technicians with insights and predictions to improve airline operations, cabin service and the passenger experience.

Combining advanced artificial intelligence, deep machine learning and an array of sensors, the InteliSence intelligent cabin enables predictive service, predictive maintenance and a more personalized air travel experience.

A jury of aviation industry experts announced winners across eight categories at the 17th annual awards ceremony held June 6 in Hamburg, Germany. With the InteliSence intelligent cabin win in 2023, Collins has now won a total of 13 Crystal Cabin Awards.

Collins Aerospace had a total of three Crystal Cabin Award finalists for 2023. In addition to the InteliSence™ intelligent cabin experience, Q-Tech™ sound absorbing metamaterial and Pothos™ cabin air ionizer were also finalists.

Collins Aerospace is a business of Raytheon Technologies, the largest aerospace and defence company in the world. Our global team of 73,000 employees dreams, designs and delivers smarter, more connected solutions for passenger safety and comfort, mission success, space exploration, and operational efficiency and sustainability. We make the most powerful concepts in aerospace a reality.

Raytheon Technologies gives airlines new insights into system health with connected galley inserts

Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, is introducing a cost-effective wireless connectivity solution for aeroplane galley inserts (the appliances used to prepare inflight food and beverage), providing operational efficiencies and cost savings for airlines while also supporting improved passenger service.

Once connected, the galley inserts automatically transmit data in real-time from the aircraft to maintenance operations, differentiating between specific unit component issues and aircraft interface issues, like faulty water or power supplies. This data provides the information needed to quickly identify unit faults, decreasing the time spent troubleshooting and reducing occurrences of misdiagnosing unit malfunctions.

In addition to the diagnostic benefits, when implemented across broader fleets the data gathered could ultimately predict future failures before they happen, allowing airlines to better plan, mitigate faults before they occur and more accurately assess spare and repair inventory needs.