PARIS, France, June 10, 2025 – Collins Aerospace, a business unit of RTX, has expanded its aircraft electrification efforts by establishing a new engineering center in Wolverhampton, UK, and a production line in Colomiers, France. The Wolverhampton facility is focused on designing and testing next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems for commercial aircraft. Meanwhile, the Colomiers site will manage the final assembly of these electric systems, aiming to improve production capacity and efficiency. This move advances electric actuation technology in commercial aviation.
Collins replaced hydraulic thrust reverser actuation systems with elecTRAS, enabling nacelle designs that reduce system weight by 15-20% and simplify installation and maintenance. The weight reduction contributes to fuel efficiency and performance improvements. Collins supplies elecTRAS for the Airbus A350 family. Thrust reversers, part of the nacelle system, redirect engine thrust to decelerate the aircraft during landing.
The final assembly of the system in Colomiers will increase Collins’ nacelle integration capacity and enhance customer proximity. Collectively, these efforts will strengthen Collins’ aircraft electrification capabilities to support its global customer base.
“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,” said Ajay Mahajan, president of Aerostructures at Collins Aerospace. “Building on in-service learning and experience, our dedicated investment to enable aircraft electrification technologies for the next-generation nacelle and elecTRAS will make future aircraft easier to maintain and operationally efficient.”
The Wolverhampton site will serve as the engineering design center for elecTRAS, collaborating with Collins’ Aerostructures headquarters in Chula Vista, California and other global engineering centers. It will also collaborate with Collins’ electronic controls and motor systems center of excellence in Solihull, UK.
With more than 600 A350XWB aircraft in service at the end of 2024 and continued production into the next decade, elecTRAS has accrued approx. 11 million flight hours and 1.8 million flight cycles of in-service operational experience.
Source: RTX
About Collins Aerospace
Collins Aerospace, 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. The company reported annual revenues exceeding $26 billion, reflecting its presence in the aerospace sector. With a commitment to innovation and reliability, Collins Aerospace drives advancements in safety, connectivity, and operational efficiency, reinforcing its role as a key supplier in the global aerospace ecosystem. Its extensive product portfolio and industry partnerships position it as a significant contributor to the evolution of modern aerospace technology.
About RTX
RTX, formerly Raytheon Technologies, is a global leader in aerospace and defense, providing advanced systems, products, and services. The company specializes in aircraft engines, avionics, cybersecurity solutions, and defense systems, serving industries such as aerospace, defense, intelligence, and security. With a history spanning over a century, RTX combines expertise from its predecessor companies to drive technological advancements. Headquartered in Waltham, MA, the company generates annual revenues exceeding $60 billion and employs approximately 185,000 people worldwide. Its major clients include the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.K. Ministry of Defense, Collins Aerospace, Airbus, and Boeing. RTX plays a critical role in advancing safety, performance, and efficiency in commercial and military applications, positioning itself as a trusted partner in the global market. The company prioritizes ongoing innovation, creating advanced solutions that improve security and mobility while addressing global industry challenges in various sectors.