Collins Aerospace and European partners advance next-generation aircraft power systems through successful HECATE testing
Paris, France, 23 March 2026 – The future of aviation is moving toward cleaner and more efficient technologies, and a recent breakthrough is bringing that vision closer to reality. Collins Aerospace, a part of RTX, has completed a key phase of testing under the HECATE program, a major European initiative focused on hybrid-electric aircraft systems.
This milestone marks an important step in the development of sustainable aviation technologies that aim to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency in air travel.
A step closer to real-world application
The project has reached what experts call Technology Readiness Level 5. In simple terms, this means the system has been tested in conditions that closely resemble real-world operations. It is no longer just a concept but a working system being prepared for future aircraft use.
The system developed under the program focuses on generating and distributing electrical power for hybrid-electric regional aircraft. During testing, it successfully produced more than 500 kilowatts of power, showing its capability to support next-generation aviation needs.
Testing took place at a specialized facility in Niort, France, known as the Copper Bird platform. This setup is designed to simulate advanced aircraft electrical systems and allows engineers to test how different components work together in realistic conditions.
Collaboration across Europe
The HECATE program is a large-scale collaboration involving 38 organizations from 11 European countries. Major aerospace companies, research institutions, and technology experts worked together to design and validate the system.
Safran Electrical and Power led the technical coordination, while Collins Aerospace guided the overall direction of the project. The collaboration also included contributions from leading aerospace players and academic partners, highlighting the scale and importance of the initiative.
This level of cooperation is essential for building complex systems like hybrid-electric propulsion, where multiple technologies must work seamlessly together.
The role of digital innovation
One of the standout features of the project is the use of digital twin technology. This allows engineers to create virtual models of the system and simulate how it will perform under different conditions.
By using digital simulations, the team was able to reduce testing time while ensuring that the system meets strict safety and performance standards. It also helped in verifying that the system complies with electromagnetic compatibility requirements, which are critical in aviation.
Looking ahead to cleaner skies
The results from this phase of the HECATE program will support future projects such as OSYRYS and LEIA. These initiatives aim to further develop hybrid-electric propulsion systems and bring them closer to commercial use.
The long-term goal is to introduce hybrid-electric aircraft into service by around 2035. These aircraft are expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions and fuel consumption, making air travel more sustainable.
As the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact, innovations like hybrid-electric systems are becoming essential. They offer a promising path toward greener flights without compromising performance or safety.
The successful testing of this system shows that the industry is making real progress. While there is still work to be done, milestones like this bring the vision of sustainable aviation one step closer to reality.
