UK test capability supports Collins’ next-generation thrust reversers

Collins Aerospace has brought a new modular test capability into full operation at its Wolverhampton Engineering Centre of Excellence, strengthening the UK’s role in the development of more-electric aircraft systems.

The centre was established in 2023, but has now reached a further milestone with the completion of a specialist facility for developing, testing and certifying electric thrust reverser actuation systems.

The capability brings together Collins’ expertise in nacelle actuation, electric motors, controllers, software and system integration at a single UK site. Around 30 engineers and support staff are currently associated with the test operation, with further growth planned.

At the centre of the work is elecTRAS, Collins’ electric thrust reverser actuation system, which is already used on the Airbus A350 family.

The system replaces hydraulic interfaces, fluids and associated equipment with electrically powered motors and controllers. Collins says this can reduce nacelle actuation system weight by 15–20%, while simplifying installation and maintenance.

The technology has accumulated more than 15 million flight hours and 2.2 million flight cycles across more than 700 A350 aircraft.

A reusable UK test capability

The Wolverhampton facility is designed to reduce reliance on bespoke test rigs built for individual aircraft programmes.

Instead, engineers can combine and reconfigure modular elements to test components, actuators, subsystems or complete integrated systems under simulated operating conditions. The same infrastructure can therefore support multiple programmes and system variants.

Ajay Mahajan, president of Advanced Structures at Collins Aerospace, described the facility during a media briefing as “a flexible, reusable, real-world test environment” and a “one-stop shop for testing multiple systems and components”.

The approach allows early test results to be incorporated into system analysis, helping engineers identify potential issues before they create delays later in development or certification.

Collins Aerospace enhances aircraft electrification in Europe with a new engineering center focused on next-gen electric thrust reverser systems. The center will offer advanced design and testing for future electric thrust reversers. Read more: https://t.co/xbUBFkrWrr pic.twitter.com/oKzuwARNXS

— RTX (@RTX_News) June 9, 2025

For Collins, the next challenge is to make proven electric actuation technology sufficiently scalable and cost-effective for a wider range of aircraft.

“The technology now is working pretty well on A350,” Mahajan said. “The big thrust and focus is going to come from: how do you make the system more cost competitive?”

The facility will continue to support the A350 family, including the forthcoming A350 freighter, while preparing the technology for future applications. Collins has identified next-generation single-aisle aircraft as one potential market, although no new customer or platform was announced.

By combining existing product experience with reusable test infrastructure and specialist engineering skills, the Wolverhampton centre gives the UK a role not only in supporting today’s fleet, but in shaping how electric actuation systems are developed for future aircraft.