The center includes a new modular and scalable test facility designed to support innovation in aircraft actuation system design, testing and certification. Collins Aerospace said the site’s advanced testing capabilities can simulate real-world conditions for aircraft components, actuators, subsystems and full systems.
The elecTRAS system supports the elimination of actuation hydraulic interfaces and fluids. Collins Aerospace said the technology can facilitate a 15% to 20% reduction in nacelle actuation weight at the integrated aircraft system level.
By integrating early-stage test results into system analysis, potential issues can be resolved more quickly. Collins Aerospace said this approach reduces delays and supports design scalability for future applications.
“Our Engineering Center of Excellence reflects RTX’s commitment to delivering innovative, efficient and cost-effective solutions for the aerospace industry,” said Ajay Mahajan, president of Advanced Structures at Collins Aerospace. “This unique modular approach supports the industry’s transition to more-electric systems, aligning with original equipment manufacturers’ forward-looking goals while improving fuel efficiency, operational performance, and ease of maintenance.”
The Wolverhampton test capability ranges from modules to integrated systems. Collins Aerospace said this allows for scalability and interchangeability, reducing development time and cost while enabling the facility to support multiple programs and system variants.
The site brings together elecTRAS systems and nacelle actuation design expertise. Collins Aerospace said this co-location streamlines development and supports more efficient collaboration.
Engineers at the facility are working on electric systems, smart algorithms and motor control architecture. The center will also continue to support current fleets.
Collins Aerospace said its elecTRAS technology is already in use on the Airbus A350 family. As of 2025, the system had logged more than 15 million flight hours and 2.2 million flight cycles on more than 700 aircraft.
