Collins Aerospace has announced that its new Engineering Center of Excellence (CoE) in Wolverhampton, UK, is now fully operational, marking a significant step forward in the development of next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS™).
The facility features a state-of-the-art, modular and scalable testing environment designed to support the design, validation and certification of advanced aircraft actuation systems. By enabling engineers to test components, actuators, subsystems and fully integrated systems under real-world operating conditions, the centre aims to accelerate product development while reducing costs and certification timelines.
Collins said its elecTRAS technology eliminates hydraulic actuation interfaces and fluids, enabling a 15–20% reduction in nacelle actuation weight at the integrated aircraft system level. The streamlined electric architecture also supports improved fuel efficiency, operational performance and easier maintenance.
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“Our Engineering Center of Excellence reflects RTX’s commitment to delivering innovative, efficient and cost-effective solutions for the aerospace industry,” said Ajay Mahajan, president of Advanced Structures at Collins Aerospace. “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.”
The Wolverhampton CoE combines electric thrust reverser system development with nacelle actuation design expertise under one roof, allowing engineers to collaborate more effectively and accelerate innovation. The facility’s modular testing capability supports everything from individual modules to fully integrated systems, offering greater scalability and flexibility across multiple aircraft programmes.
Engineers at the site are focused on advancing electric systems, smart algorithms and motor control architectures while continuing to support existing aircraft fleets.
Collins Aerospace’s elecTRAS technology is already in service on the Airbus A350 family. As of 2025, the system has accumulated more than 15 million flight hours and 2.2 million flight cycles across more than 700 aircraft, demonstrating its maturity and operational reliability.
