RTX's Collins Aerospace Expands Aircraft Electrification With New UK Engineering Center And French Production Line For Electric Thrust Reverser Actuation Systems

Company opens new engineering center of excellence in the UK and an aerostructures production line in France

PARIS, June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Collins Aerospace, an RTX (NYSE:RTX) business, expanded its aircraft electrification capabilities with the introduction of a new engineering center of excellence in Wolverhampton, UK, and a new electric thrust reverser actuation systems (elecTRAS™) production line in Colomiers, France. The Wolverhampton center focuses on developing next-generation electric thrust reverser actuation systems for commercial aircraft, featuring state-of-the-art design and test capabilities, and the Colomiers facility will handle the final assembly of these advanced electric systems, enhancing production efficiency and capacity.

By switching from traditional hydraulic-powered thrust reverser actuation systems to elecTRAS, Collins can design nacelle systems that are easier for customers to install and maintain, while also reducing aircraft system weight by 15-20%. This improves fuel efficiency and operational performance. Collins currently supplies the elecTRAS on the Airbus A350 family. As part of an aircraft's nacelle system, thrust reversers redirect thrust from the plane's engines to help it slow down upon landing. 

The final assembly of the system in Colomiers will increase Collins' nacelle integration capacity and enhance customer proximity. Collectively, these efforts will strengthen Collins' aircraft electrification capabilities to support its global customer base.