Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, has successfully completed a detailed design review and initiated the fabrication phase of a one-megawatt electric generator for the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) as part of the Advanced Turbine Technologies for Affordable Mission-Capability program. This low-spool generator holds the potential for diverse applications across forthcoming manned and unmanned military platforms.

Bill Dolan, Vice President of Power and Controls Engineering for Collins, emphasized the growing demand for electricity to power advanced mission systems, high-energy weapons, and hybrid-electric propulsion systems in the next generation of military aircraft. To meet these requirements, a substantial increase in onboard high-voltage DC power is necessary. Collins' 1MW generator is designed to efficiently provide this power, supporting the integration of new technologies and enabling upcoming platforms to achieve their intended capabilities.

With the completion of the generator's engineering phase and the transition to manufacturing, Collins is on schedule to deliver the hardware to the Air Force for testing, aiming to reach Technology Readiness Level 5 by 2024. The testing phase will occur at The Grid, Collins' cutting-edge electric power systems laboratory in Rockford, Illinois, set to open in October with a $50 million investment. RTX's Pratt & Whitney business is also actively involved in the AFRL 1MW generator program, exploring potential opportunities for future engine integration.

The development of the 1MW generator leverages Collins' extensive expertise in supplying electric power solutions for both military and commercial aircraft. This experience includes the generators currently provided for aircraft like the F-22, F-35, and 787. The 1MW generator, alongside the 1MW motor being developed for the RTX hybrid-electric flight demonstrator, represents a key element of Collins' technology roadmap. This roadmap is dedicated to creating a versatile family of motor generators that can be tailored to meet the varying power needs of future military and commercial platforms, offering scalability and adaptability.

Source:prnewswire.com