Collins Aerospace lab completes Clean Aviation SWITCH testing and moves on to LEIA project LONDON, July 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Farnborough International Air Show – Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE:RTX) business, has

<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Collins Aerospace lab completes Clean Aviation SWITCH testing and moves on to LEIA project </i></b></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">LONDON</span>, <span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">July 22, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- <b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Farnborough International Air Show</b> – Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RTX">RTX</a>) business, has completed <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=2084881274&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rtx.com%2Fnews%2Fnews-center%2F2026%2F03%2F16%2Frtxs-collins-aerospace-initiates-powertrain-testing-for-clean-aviation-switch-pr&amp;a=integrated+lab+testing" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">integrated lab testing</a> for the European Union&#39;s Clean Aviation <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=2496593063&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clean-aviation.eu%2Fresearch-and-innovation%2Fclean-aviation%2Fclean-aviation-projects%2Fswitch&amp;a=SWITCH" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SWITCH</a> project at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=713001925&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rtx.com%2Fnews%2F2024%2F04%2F08%2Fthis-lab-has-the-power-to-make-electric-flight-a-reality&amp;a=The+Grid" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Grid</a>, its advanced electric power systems lab in Rockford, Ill. The tested hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems, which successfully operated with simulated aircraft and engine systems, are now headed to Airbus&#39;s laboratories for further aircraft level integration testing, including work on aircraft design, battery interfacing and energy-management systems.</p>
<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#34;This is the largest integrated systems test conducted at The Grid since its opening in 2023,&#34; said Kristin Smith, vice president of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace.  &#34;By combining our technology expertise with deep industry collaboration, we are demonstrating how hybrid-electric systems can significantly reduce fuel consumption for next-generation aircraft.&#34;   </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SWITCH aims to improve engine efficiency for future short- and medium-range aircraft by integrating hybrid-electric systems on a Pratt &amp; Whitney GTF&#x2122; engine, including two Collins megawatt class motor generators and controllers. Testing at The Grid was supported by Pratt &amp; Whitney teams who performed powertrain system integration and supplied the hybrid-electric engine controller, and Airbus teams who supplied the interface controller to the aircraft energy-management system. GKN Aerospace delivered the high-voltage wiring system.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Next, The Grid will support the Airbus-led LEIA (Large scalE Integration demonstrator of hybrid electrical Architecture) project, where Collins is technical lead for energy sources. This Clean Aviation demonstrator advances components and aircraft systems for future hybrid-electric short- and medium-range aircraft, including high voltage generation and distribution.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Collins will deliver advanced aircraft electric system technologies, including four scalable electric motor/generators, next-generation electronic controllers, power distribution equipment, and cabin pressure and ventilation control systems to enhance reliability and passenger comfort. The Nördlingen, Germany site will supply solid-state power controllers and power distribution panels to replace mechanical circuit breakers and relays boosting reliability and reducing weight. LEIA testing will occur across several sites, including The Grid, with additional work at Collins&#39; facilities in Toulouse, France; Frankfurt, Germany; Cork, Ireland; Rome, Italy; and Solihull, UK.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">According to Pierre Durel, Project Officer at Clean Aviation, &#34;SWITCH &amp; LEIA are essential building blocks to make the hybrid-electric short- and medium-range aircraft become a reality: they show the power of collaboration within Europe and beyond.&#34; He adds that Clean Aviation is &#34;very much looking forward to the results of the demonstration tests due to be carried out in 2027.&#34;</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Both SWITCH and LEIA build on the ongoing collaboration between Collins and several partners across multiple Clean Aviation projects, including <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=1348257075&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fhecate-project.eu%2F&amp;a=HECATE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">HECATE</a> and <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=1932820228&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clean-aviation.eu%2Fresearch-and-innovation%2Fclean-aviation%2Fclean-aviation-projects%2Fawatar&amp;a=AWATAR" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AWATAR</a>, which advance electrification technologies for future regional and short-and-medium range aircraft. Collins also contributes to Clean Aviation&#39;s newest ultra-efficient regional aircraft projects, including <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=669052656&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clean-aviation.eu%2Fosyrys-enabling-the-more-electric-aircraft-and-hybrid-electric-propulsion&amp;a=OSYRYS" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">OSYRYS</a> and <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=3513445149&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clean-aviation.eu%2Fphares-advancing-hybrid-electric-propulsion&amp;a=PHARES" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PHARES</a>. MTU Aero Engines coordinates the SWITCH project. </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Collins Aerospace</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, provides advanced aerospace and defense solutions across avionics, aircraft interiors, aerostructures and engine components, mission systems, and power and control systems. Our global employees are dedicated to delivering innovative technologies to enhance aircraft performance, passenger comfort, operational safety and reliability. </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About RTX</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking</b>  <br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is the European Union&#39;s leading research and innovation programme for transforming aviation towards a sustainable and climate-neutral future. It is a successful European public-private partnership between the European Commission through Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme, and the European aeronautics industry. It has a budget of €4.1 billion divided into €1.7 billion in EU funding and no less than €2.4 billion in private funding. The programme&#39;s disruptive clean aviation technologies will help reduce the emission footprint of short-medium range and regional aircraft by no less than 30% compared to 2020 state-of-the-art aircraft. Clean Aviation builds on the knowledge and expertise of the Clean Sky programmes (2008-2024). </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact </b><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="mailto:corporatepr@rtx.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">corporatepr@rtx.com</a></b>.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </p>



<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PURL"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" title="Cision" width="12" height="12" alt="Cision" src="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/img/favicon.png?sn=NE09216&amp;sd=2026-07-22"></img> View original content:<a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PRNURL" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtx-advances-hybrid-electric-aviation-at-the-grid-302831142.html" target="_blank">https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtx-advances-hybrid-electric-aviation-at-the-grid-302831142.html</a></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SOURCE RTX</p>

RTX advances hybrid-electric aviation at The Grid

RTX's Collins Advances Hybrid-Electric Testing; LEIA Aims 2027 Demos

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Collins Aerospace lab completes Clean Aviation SWITCH testing and moves on to LEIA project LONDON, July 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Farnborough International Air Show – Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE:RTX) business, has</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Collins Aerospace, an RTX unit, completed SWITCH lab testing and moves to LEIA energy-system integration. The Grid in Rockford demonstrated hybrid-electric subsystems with Airbus and Pratt &amp; Whitney involvement, setting up 2027 European demonstration timelines. This progress supports RTX&#039;s leadership in hybrid-electric propulsion and potential long-term contract opportunities.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>RTX&#039;s Collins Aerospace completes SWITCH testing; advances to LEIA with Airbus collaboration.</li><li>The Grid lab in Rockford, IL, hosts largest integrated system test since 2023 opening.</li><li>SWITCH uses two megawatt-class motors and four scalable electric motors/generators.</li><li>LEIA testing will span multiple sites in Europe, with 2027 demonstration targets.</li><li>Clean Aviation funds SWITCH/LEIA (€4.1B program); Collins leads energy-source work.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>RTX (RTX)</strong>: Parent company; Collins Aerospace progress could translate into longer-term hybrid-electric propulsion opportunities.</li><li><strong>Airbus SE (EADSY)</strong>: Collaborating on LEIA energy-management interfaces; potential integration opportunities.</li><li><strong>Pratt &amp; Whitney (Private)</strong>: Powertrain integrator for SWITCH; collaboration could drive future engine-related revenue.</li><li><strong>GKN Aerospace (Private)</strong>: High-voltage wiring supplier; supports hybrid-electric power distribution.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>Industry News; reflects ongoing EU-backed electrification programs and RTX’s Collins-led tech developments in hybrid-electric propulsion.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Largest integrated systems test at The Grid signals program scale and execution.</li><li>LEIA energy-source leadership may unlock additional contracts with Airbus and partners.</li><li>EU funding mix underscores large addressable market for hybrid-electric aviation.</li><li>Cross-site testing expands Collins&#039; collaboration footprint across Europe.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Date: July 22, 2026.</li><li>Location: The Grid, Collins&#039; power systems lab, Rockford, Illinois.</li><li>Test scope: integrated lab testing for SWITCH; hybrids on Pratt &amp; Whitney GTF engine.</li><li>Hardware: two megawatt-class motor generators; four scalable electric motor/generators.</li><li>LEIA: Airbus-led demonstrator; testing across multiple sites incl. Nördlingen, Toulouse, Frankfurt, Cork, Rome, Solihull.</li><li>EU program: Clean Aviation budget €4.1B; EU funding €1.7B; private funding ≥€2.4B.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Bullish; key catalyst is the 2027 LEIA demonstrations validating hybrid-electric propulsion across multiple sites.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><i xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Collins Aerospace lab completes Clean Aviation SWITCH testing and moves on to LEIA project </i></b></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">LONDON</span>, <span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="legendSpanClass">July 22, 2026</span> /PRNewswire/ -- <b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Farnborough International Air Show</b> – Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RTX">RTX</a>) business, has completed <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=2084881274&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rtx.com%2Fnews%2Fnews-center%2F2026%2F03%2F16%2Frtxs-collins-aerospace-initiates-powertrain-testing-for-clean-aviation-switch-pr&amp;a=integrated+lab+testing" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">integrated lab testing</a> for the European Union&#39;s Clean Aviation <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=2496593063&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clean-aviation.eu%2Fresearch-and-innovation%2Fclean-aviation%2Fclean-aviation-projects%2Fswitch&amp;a=SWITCH" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">SWITCH</a> project at <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=713001925&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rtx.com%2Fnews%2F2024%2F04%2F08%2Fthis-lab-has-the-power-to-make-electric-flight-a-reality&amp;a=The+Grid" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Grid</a>, its advanced electric power systems lab in Rockford, Ill. The tested hybrid-electric powertrain subsystems, which successfully operated with simulated aircraft and engine systems, are now headed to Airbus&#39;s laboratories for further aircraft level integration testing, including work on aircraft design, battery interfacing and energy-management systems.</p>
<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">&#34;This is the largest integrated systems test conducted at The Grid since its opening in 2023,&#34; said Kristin Smith, vice president of Electric Power Systems at Collins Aerospace.  &#34;By combining our technology expertise with deep industry collaboration, we are demonstrating how hybrid-electric systems can significantly reduce fuel consumption for next-generation aircraft.&#34;   </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SWITCH aims to improve engine efficiency for future short- and medium-range aircraft by integrating hybrid-electric systems on a Pratt &amp; Whitney GTF&#x2122; engine, including two Collins megawatt class motor generators and controllers. Testing at The Grid was supported by Pratt &amp; Whitney teams who performed powertrain system integration and supplied the hybrid-electric engine controller, and Airbus teams who supplied the interface controller to the aircraft energy-management system. GKN Aerospace delivered the high-voltage wiring system.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Next, The Grid will support the Airbus-led LEIA (Large scalE Integration demonstrator of hybrid electrical Architecture) project, where Collins is technical lead for energy sources. This Clean Aviation demonstrator advances components and aircraft systems for future hybrid-electric short- and medium-range aircraft, including high voltage generation and distribution.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Collins will deliver advanced aircraft electric system technologies, including four scalable electric motor/generators, next-generation electronic controllers, power distribution equipment, and cabin pressure and ventilation control systems to enhance reliability and passenger comfort. The Nördlingen, Germany site will supply solid-state power controllers and power distribution panels to replace mechanical circuit breakers and relays boosting reliability and reducing weight. LEIA testing will occur across several sites, including The Grid, with additional work at Collins&#39; facilities in Toulouse, France; Frankfurt, Germany; Cork, Ireland; Rome, Italy; and Solihull, UK.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">According to Pierre Durel, Project Officer at Clean Aviation, &#34;SWITCH &amp; LEIA are essential building blocks to make the hybrid-electric short- and medium-range aircraft become a reality: they show the power of collaboration within Europe and beyond.&#34; He adds that Clean Aviation is &#34;very much looking forward to the results of the demonstration tests due to be carried out in 2027.&#34;</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">Both SWITCH and LEIA build on the ongoing collaboration between Collins and several partners across multiple Clean Aviation projects, including <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=1348257075&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fhecate-project.eu%2F&amp;a=HECATE" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">HECATE</a> and <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=1932820228&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clean-aviation.eu%2Fresearch-and-innovation%2Fclean-aviation%2Fclean-aviation-projects%2Fawatar&amp;a=AWATAR" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AWATAR</a>, which advance electrification technologies for future regional and short-and-medium range aircraft. Collins also contributes to Clean Aviation&#39;s newest ultra-efficient regional aircraft projects, including <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=669052656&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clean-aviation.eu%2Fosyrys-enabling-the-more-electric-aircraft-and-hybrid-electric-propulsion&amp;a=OSYRYS" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">OSYRYS</a> and <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/link/?t=0&amp;l=en&amp;o=4736090-1&amp;h=3513445149&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.clean-aviation.eu%2Fphares-advancing-hybrid-electric-propulsion&amp;a=PHARES" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">PHARES</a>. MTU Aero Engines coordinates the SWITCH project. </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Collins Aerospace</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Collins Aerospace, an RTX business, provides advanced aerospace and defense solutions across avionics, aircraft interiors, aerostructures and engine components, mission systems, and power and control systems. Our global employees are dedicated to delivering innovative technologies to enhance aircraft performance, passenger comfort, operational safety and reliability. </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About RTX</b><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>With more than 180,000 global employees, we push the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. With industry-leading capabilities, we advance aviation, engineer integrated defense systems for operational success, and develop next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2025 sales of more than $88 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About the Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking</b>  <br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>The Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking is the European Union&#39;s leading research and innovation programme for transforming aviation towards a sustainable and climate-neutral future. It is a successful European public-private partnership between the European Commission through Horizon Europe, the EU research and innovation programme, and the European aeronautics industry. It has a budget of €4.1 billion divided into €1.7 billion in EU funding and no less than €2.4 billion in private funding. The programme&#39;s disruptive clean aviation technologies will help reduce the emission footprint of short-medium range and regional aircraft by no less than 30% compared to 2020 state-of-the-art aircraft. Clean Aviation builds on the knowledge and expertise of the Clean Sky programmes (2008-2024). </p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact </b><b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="mailto:corporatepr@rtx.com" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">corporatepr@rtx.com</a></b>.</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> </p>



<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PURL"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" title="Cision" width="12" height="12" alt="Cision" src="https://edge.prnewswire.com/c/img/favicon.png?sn=NE09216&amp;sd=2026-07-22"></img> View original content:<a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="PRNURL" rel="nofollow" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtx-advances-hybrid-electric-aviation-at-the-grid-302831142.html" target="_blank">https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtx-advances-hybrid-electric-aviation-at-the-grid-302831142.html</a></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">SOURCE RTX</p>

Collins Aerospace, an RTX unit, completed SWITCH lab testing and moves to LEIA energy-system integration. The Grid in Rockford demonstrated hybrid-electric subsystems with Airbus and Pratt & Whitney involvement, setting up 2027 European demonstration timelines. This progress supports RTX's leadership in hybrid-electric propulsion and potential long-term contract opportunities.

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RTX advances hybrid-electric aviation at The Grid

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Sentiment rationale

Key facts

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