Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and TU Delft partner for sustainable aviation
September 23, 2024
Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Delft University of Technology, have signed a Master Research Agreement (MRA) enabling bilateral collaboration across a range of sustainable aviation research opportunities, including advanced materials, hydrogen propulsion, advanced manufacturing and industrial design.
Through the agreement’s strategic framework, Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney will initiate multiple research projects involving TU Delft graduate research facilities, students and staff over the next five years.
“Collaboration between RTX engineers and university research institutions plays an important role in developing our understanding of emerging technologies, while also supporting the next generation of talent that will drive our industry forward,” said Michael Winter, RTX Chief Science Officer. “Our MRA with TU Delft – our first agreement of its kind with a European university institution – will focus on advancing technologies to support more sustainable aviation, which is key to the future of our industry.”
Among the first projects initiated as part of the MRA, Collins and TU Delft are collaborating on a high-speed intelligent inspection system to enhance manufacturing processes for lightweight and recyclable aircraft materials. Pratt & Whitney and TU Delft will work on developing novel engine configurations that utilise thermal energy recovery technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions for commercial aircraft.
“We’re excited and very happy to sign this new agreement. It gives us the opportunity to step up our collaboration on sustainable aviation with the engineering teams of Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney,” said Professor Henri Werij, Dean of the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering at TU Delft. “Collaboration with leading aerospace companies is absolutely crucial to take the necessary steps towards reaching the goal of climate-neutral aviation by 2050.”
