AviationNews – Collins Aerospace has successfully launched a state-of-the-art modular test facility in Wolverhampton, U.K., dedicated to advancing next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems. This new center signifies the manufacturer’s commitment to scaling its more-electric aircraft technologies well beyond their current application on the Airbus A350.
Originally established as an Engineering Center of Excellence, the Wolverhampton site recently reached full operational status to accelerate the development of the company’s electric thrust reverser actuation system (elecTRAS). Supported by its parent company RTX, Collins Aerospace built this infrastructure to develop, integrate, and certify fully electric aircraft architectures. While the existing elecTRAS technology has already amassed over 15 million flight hours across the A350 fleet, the company is actively adapting the system to meet the rigorous cost and performance demands of future single-aisle commercial airliners.
Thrust reversers redirect engine exhaust airflow to help decelerate an aircraft safely upon landing. Unlike traditional pneumatic or hydraulic designs, the elecTRAS architecture utilizes advanced electric motors and controllers, completely eliminating the need for heavy hydraulic fluids, pipes, and hoses. This streamlined approach reduces overall nacelle actuation weight by 15 to 20 percent, which directly improves fuel efficiency and simplifies ongoing aircraft maintenance procedures.
“The Wolverhampton facility provides a flexible, reusable, real-world test environment that acts as a one-stop shop for testing multiple systems and components,” stated Ajay Mahajan, president of Advanced Structures at Collins Aerospace.
As the aviation industry pushes toward comprehensive electrification and greater fuel efficiency, reliable and lightweight components will become the baseline for modern aircraft design. The Wolverhampton modular test center allows engineers to identify integration issues early without needing to build completely bespoke testing rigs for every new aircraft program. Manufacturers and regulatory bodies must increasingly adopt these scalable testing models to shorten development cycles and accelerate certification timelines for tomorrow’s sustainable commercial fleets.
Collins Aerospace’s new U.K. facility marks a pivotal step in commercial aviation’s transition away from heavy, legacy hydraulic flight systems. By heavily investing in modular electric thrust reverser testing, the aerospace giant positions itself to lead the upcoming era of highly efficient, single-aisle airliners. Ultimately, this scalable infrastructure will define how the industry develops, tests, and certifies critical electro-mechanical technologies for decades to come.
