Collins to sink €85m into future aircraft technology in Europe

Collins Aerospace is participating in seven projects under the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking. 

Collaborating with European airframers, engine makers, suppliers and academia, Collins estimates that the funding it receives from Clean Aviation combined with its own R&D will reach €85m ($88.3m).

Included in the projects is research into hybrid-electric aircraft such as HE-ART (Hybrid-Electric propulsion system for regional AiRcrafT) and TheMa4HERA (Thermal Management for Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft). 

Mauro Atalla, senior vice president, Engineering & Technology for Collins said: “With our expertise in a broad range of aircraft systems and a strong research and engineering presence in Europe led by our Applied Research and Technology (ART) organisation, Collins is well-positioned to support the EU’s ambitious Clean Aviation goals.”

The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is the EU’s research and innovation programme for sustainably transforming aviation. Projects that involve UK sites will also be supported by funding from UK Research and Innovation.

Atalla added: “Together with our industry partners, we will advance our shared commitment to net-zero flight by breaking new ground on a range of solutions critical to the next generation of sustainable aircraft—from hybrid-electric propulsion, to thermal management, to systems for novel wing designs.”

Collins projects – At a glance

• HE-ART (Hybrid-Electric propulsion system for regional AiRcrafT)
• TheMa4HERA (Thermal Management for Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft)
• HECATE (Hybrid-ElectriC regional Aircraft distribution TEchnologies)
• HERWINGT (Hybrid-Electric Regional Wing Integration Novel Green Technologies)
• Ultra-Efficient Short & Medium Range Aircraft

• SWITCH (Sustainable Water-Injecting Turbofan Comprising Hybrid-electrics) Transversal Areas
• HERA (aircraft concepts for Hybrid-Electric Regional Aircraft)
• CONCERTO (Construction Of Novel CERTification methOds and means of compliance for disruptive technologies)