Collins Aerospace developing 1 megawatt electric generator for Air Force planes

Collins Aerospace, the largest private employer in Cedar Rapids, is developing a 1 megawatt electric generator for the Air Force Research Laboratory.

The low-spool generator could have multiple applications for future manned and unmanned military platforms, the company said in a news release, adding that the next generation of military aircraft will require more onboard electric power than ever before.

In the future, the 1 megawatt generator could be used to power systems and could be paired with a fuel-burning engine to increase fuel efficiency and maximize aircraft range, the company stated.

The generator weighs about 125 kilograms (275 pounds), is about the size of a 5-gallon bucket and provides enough electricity to power 1,000 homes, “which is key — the smallest, lightest generator providing the most power possible,” a Collins spokesman said.

The company aims to deliver generator hardware to the Air Force Research Lab and test its readiness level in 2024.

RTX's Pratt & Whitney business is supporting the 1MW generator program by studying future engine integration opportunities.

"While future military aircraft continue to take shape, one thing we know is that these platforms will require electric power in the megawatt range," said Henry Brooks, president of power & controls for Collins Aerospace.

Collins Aerospace is a business of RTX, the largest aerospace and defense company in the world. The company on July 1 realigned its three business units — Collins Aerospace, Raytheon and Pratt & Whitney. RTX, with 2022 sales of $67 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Va.