The new centre of excellence will support advanced design, engineering, testing, manufacturing and maintenance capabilities for future propeller technologies.
Collins Aerospace celebrated the launch of a new propeller centre of excellence at its legacy Ratier facility in Figeac, France on 28th March. The 3,000m2 state-of-the-art factory addition, which is expected to be fully operational in 2020, will support advanced design, engineering, testing, manufacturing and maintenance capabilities for future propeller technologies.
Collins Aerospace — created in 2018 by combining UTC Aerospace Systems with Rockwell Collins — says it will use the new centre to develop enhancements for existing propellers, new systems for future turboprops and disruptive technologies for next-generation aircraft, while also helping to reduce cycle times for customers through increased automation.
The centre’s advanced engineering capabilities are expected to enable Collins Aerospace to optimise propeller designs that improve aerodynamics, while reducing weight, fuel consumption and noise for a propeller that is more environmentally friendly.
To help airlines reduce maintenance time and costs, Collins Aerospace also aims to use the centre to design a propeller with prognostic health monitoring capabilities.