GKN Delivers Wiring Harness for Hybrid-propulsion Consortium

GKN Aerospace has delivered the first high-voltage electrical wire harnesses for the Clean Aviation SWITCH program, an international collaboration exploring hybrid-electric propulsion technologies for megawatt-class aircraft.

Assembled at GKN’s facility in Papendrecht, the Netherlands, the electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) have arrived at Collins Aerospace’s Electronic Controls and Motor Systems center of excellence in Solihull, UK. 

Next month GKN will ship additional units to Collins’ electric power systems lab, also known as “The Grid,” in Rockford, Illinois, where it will undergo systems integration testing later this year.

Supported by the European Union through the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, the SWITCH project—short for “Sustainable Water Injecting Turbofan Comprising Hybrid-Electrics”—involves a consortium that also includes MTU Aero Engines, Pratt & Whitney, and Airbus, in addition to Collins and GKN. The partners are developing propulsion technologies for more efficient short- and medium-range aircraft.

“The collaboration with our consortium partners is incredibly valuable and brings deep technical insight to this groundbreaking work. Together we’re shaping the future of flight,” said John Pritchard, president of civil airframes at GKN Aerospace.