CORK, Ireland, Mar 23, 2026 – Collins Aerospace has completed the Hybrid-ElectriC regional Aircraft distribution TEchnologies project (HECATE project), part of the European Union’s Clean Aviation program with support from UK Research and Innovation. The project reached Technology Readiness Level 5 (TRL5) after validating an electrical architecture for hybrid-electric aircraft through testing. A hybrid-electric system producing more than 500 kW was tested on Safran Electrical and Power’s Copper Bird platform in Niort, France, which simulates aircraft electrical systems.
“Through successful collaboration with HECATE consortium partners, we have advanced critical technologies for hybrid-electric propulsion and more electric aircraft to meet future high power, high-voltage aircraft demands,” said Kristin Smith, vice president of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace. “With efficient, lightweight, and compact electrical power distribution technologies, Collins is well-positioned for continued maturation and integration testing under Clean Aviation Phase 2 programs, moving closer to commercial viability.”
Collins Aerospace leads the HECATE project steering committee through its Applied Research & Technology organization and Power & Controls business. Safran Electrical and Power serves as the technical coordinator. The consortium includes Airbus Defence and Space, Leonardo, and many European universities.
“We are very proud to have integrated the full suite of partner systems from the HECATE consortium into our state-of-the-art electrical systems test bench in Niort,” said Agnès Pronost-Gilles, executive vice president & general manager for power division, Safran Electrical & Power. “This integration highlights the strength of our collaboration and our technical leadership in hybrid-electric and electric propulsion. Safran Electrical & Power is now well-positioned to meet the growing demands for sustainable regional aircraft and to lead the next steps in innovation through Phase 2 of the Clean Aviation Project.”
“Hybrid-electric aircrafts need reliable and powerful electrical architectures to safely fly our skies – and HECATE has brought us a decisive step closer towards this goal with tangible results and win-win collaboration with EASA,” said María Calvo, head of unit project management at Clean Aviation. “The project was jointly developed by 38 participating entities from 11 European countries, proof of the innovative power of European cooperation. At Clean Aviation, we will be excited to see how Phase 2 projects build on HECATE achievements and will further mature the technology for an entry into service by 2035.”
The Phase 1 CAJU project used digital twin technology to simulate operating conditions and validate electromagnetic compatibility under external field exposure. The system operated without interference with other devices.
HECATE is part of Clean Aviation Phase 2 projects, including OSYRYS and LEIA. OSYRYS, led by Safran Electrical and Power, focuses on developing and testing electrical systems for hybrid-electric regional aircraft. LEIA, led by Airbus, focuses on integrating and testing hybrid-electric architectures in a laboratory environment for new short-medium range aircraft entry into service by 2035. Both projects involve Airbus, Safran, and Collins.
Source: Collins Aerospace
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, headquartered in Charlotte, NC, is a leader in aerospace and defense technology. It designs, manufactures, and services systems and components for commercial and military aircraft, space, and intelligent systems. Its offerings include avionics, aerostructures, mission systems, power and control technologies, supporting industries such as commercial aviation, defense, space exploration, and cybersecurity. Collins Aerospace serves a customer base ranging from aircraft manufacturers and airlines to government defense agencies. Collins Aerospace advances safety, connectivity, and efficiency, supporting the global aerospace sector with a product range and partnerships that drive aerospace technology.
About Safran Electrical & Power
Safran Electrical & Power, a Safran Group subsidiary, designs and manufactures aircraft electrical systems and power management solutions. Its products include power generation systems, electrical distribution equipment, wiring interconnection systems, and onboard energy management technologies for aircraft. The company serves commercial aerospace, defense, and space sectors, supplying aircraft manufacturers, system integrators, and maintenance providers. It traces its origins to Labinal, founded in 1906, and the current entity was established in 1980. Safran Electrical & Power is headquartered in Blagnac, France. Safran employs about 110,000 people globally. Its products support power generation, transmission, and electrical integration across aircraft platforms, including commercial and military systems.
About Clean Aviation
Clean Aviation is a public-private partnership that funds R&D for sustainable aviation technologies. It supports projects focused on aircraft design, propulsion systems, and energy solutions to reduce emissions. The organization serves aerospace manufacturers, suppliers, research institutions, universities, and small and medium enterprises. Clean Aviation was established in 2008 through earlier Clean Sky programs and operates under Horizon Europe. It is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The program manages funding calls, coordinates projects, and supports validation of new aircraft technologies for future use. Its work spans commercial aviation and related research activities.