Collins Advances Electric Thrust Reverser Technology

Collins Aerospace’s Engineering Center of Excellence in the UK is now fully operational with a key role in the company’s efforts to develop a new electric thrust reverser actuation system (ElecTRAS). The RTX group subsidiary announced the full opening of the facility in Wolverhampton on July 9.

According to Collins, the ElecTRAS technology will eliminate the need for hydraulic actuation interfaces and fluids, using electric motors that draw power from the aircraft’s electrical network. The system’s integration with aircraft could reduce engine nacelle weight by 15% to 20% by eliminating hardware such as hoses and tubes.

Announced in 2025, the new engineering facility provides modular and scalable test capabilities for actuation system design and certification that replicate real-world aircraft operations. Briefing reporters before the Farnborough International Airshow, Collins representatives explained how the setup lets engineers fold early-stage test results into system analysis, helping them resolve technical issues faster, reduce development delays, and support design work for future actuator applications.

“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,” explained Ajay Mahajan, president of Collins Aerospace’s Advanced Structures business unit.

The ElecTRAS technology is already in commercial service on Airbus A350 widebody airliners, which are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines. To date, these actuation systems have logged more than 15 million flight hours and 2.2 million flight cycles on more than 700 in-service aircraft.

Now Collins is working on thrust reverser solutions for the widely anticipated next-generation narrowbody airliner, with a view to delivering equipment that could be more cost-effective to produce. Mahajan said the company is working with other aircraft and engine manufacturers, including its RTX sister company Pratt & Whitney. He added that the electric actuation technology could be applied in other ways, such as tilting mechanisms on new aircraft designs.

Collins no longer produces hydraulic actuation systems itself, having sold this business to Safran, including another site in Wolverhampton. However, the company still employs around 6,000 people in the UK and has many suppliers there.