Collins Aerospace is developing a 1-MW electric generator for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) as part of its Advanced Turbine Technologies for Affordable Mission-Capability program. The low-spool generator in the works at the Raytheon Technologies subsidiary could apply to a variety of future crewed and uncrewed military aircraft.
The program brief from AFRL would meet the increasing onboard power needs of military aircraft now fitted with sophisticated advanced mission systems, avionics, and high-energy weapons. “While future military aircraft continue to take shape, one thing we know is that these platforms will require electric power in the megawatt range,” said Henry Brooks, president of power and controls for Collins Aerospace. “To that end, we’re working with the AFRL to design a generator that will give our customers the onboard power they need and the flexibility to tailor its use for multiple potential applications.”
Along with providing onboard power, the new generator could pair with a fuel-burning engine in a hybrid-electric propulsion system. That would maximize the range of aircraft by increasing fuel efficiency while minimizing aerial refueling needs and reducing carbon emissions.
Collins Aerospace aims to deliver the new generator to the AFRL and test it to Technology Readiness Level 5 in 2025. The company will perform the work at its new The Grid advanced electric power systems lab, due to open later this year.
Collins Aerospace sister company Pratt & Whitney supports the program with a study on future engine integration opportunities. That collaboration builds on the megawatt-class motors Collins is developing for Raytheon Technologies’ hybrid-electric demonstrator programs, including the regional hybrid-electric flight demonstrator led by Pratt & Whitney Canada and the Switch program, which is backed by the European Union’s Clean Aviation Initiative and involves the application of water-injecting turbofan technologies.