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 strategic framework of the MRA, Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney will initiate multiple research projects involving TU Delft graduate research facilities, students and staff over the next five years. Collins Aerospace and Pratt & Whitney are RTX businesses.

“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,” says 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 develop novel engine configurations that utilize thermal energy recovery technologies in order 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,” adds 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.”

The new research agreement builds on long-standing engagement between Collins, Pratt & Whitney and TU Delft, including through European framework program such as Clean Aviation, under which Collins and TU Delft are part of the COCOLIH2T project, aimed at developing technologies for storing liquid hydrogen fuel on commercial aircraft. The companies sponsor TU Delft's aerospace student association VSV Leonardo da Vinci and facilities, there is a close collaboration with the Aerospace Innovation Hub at TU Delft, as well as regular internship opportunities at Collins Aerospace's aircraft interiors development facility in Houten, Netherlands.