Collins Aerospace opens UK facility for next-gen aircraft actuation systems
Collins Aerospace has opened its Engineering Center of Excellence in Wolverhampton, England, with the facility now fully operational and focused on developing next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems.
The center, announced on July 9, 2026, houses a modular and scalable test facility designed to support innovation in aircraft actuation system design, testing, and certification.
What the technology does
The facility is advancing Collins’ electric thrust reverser actuation system, known as elecTRAS. The technology eliminates the need for hydraulic interfaces and fluids in nacelle actuation, resulting in a 15-20% weight reduction at the integrated aircraft system level.
The system is already in service on the Airbus A350 family, where it has logged more than 15 million flight hours and 2.2 million flight cycles across more than 700 aircraft as of 2025.
Testing capabilities
The Wolverhampton facility can simulate real-world conditions for aircraft components, actuators, subsystems, and full systems. By integrating early-stage test results into system analysis, engineers can identify and resolve potential issues quickly, reducing delays during development.
The modular approach allows the facility to support multiple programs and system variants, reducing development time and cost.
Ajay Mahajan, President of Advanced Structures at Collins Aerospace, said the center reflects the company’s focus on more-electric aircraft systems.
“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,” Mahajan said.
The center co-locates elecTRAS systems development with nacelle actuation design expertise, streamlining collaboration. Engineers at the facility are working on electric systems, smart algorithms, and motor control architecture, while continuing to support aircraft currently in service.
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The post Collins Aerospace opens UK facility for next-gen aircraft actuation systems appeared first on AeroTime.
Collins Aerospace has opened its Engineering Center of Excellence in Wolverhampton, England, with the facility now fully operational…
The post Collins Aerospace opens UK facility for next-gen aircraft actuation systems appeared first on AeroTime.
