 Western Aerospace Centre
A packed lecture theatre in Bristol University’s Chemistry Department enjoyed a fascinating insight into the technology development which has led Airbus to a commanding lead over Boeing in civil aircraft deliveries. Gordon McConnell is the Senior Vice-President of Engineering, at Airbus UK, and delivered the fifth in this series of annual prestige lectures organised by the IMechE Western Aerospace Centre, and hosted by Bristol University.
Acutely conscious of his customer’s requirements, Gordon described the challenging market conditions for the airlines, the environmental pressures, and the regulatory regime against which new aircraft must be designed and developed. Ever lower operating costs are crucial to sustain growth in civil air transport. Reduced noise levels are essential to meet ever more stringent noise restrictions. Increasing concerns over aviation’s contribution to global warming is driving the need to reduce CO2 and NOX emissions and minimise condensation trails.
Gordon showed the enormous strides in reducing fuel burn and noise levels that have been made over the last twenty years. However he suggested that this progress may be plateauing with the present generation of aircraft represented by the A380 and A350. New and radical configurations will be necessary to make further significant strides. Airbus has four new future concepts being analysed to help direct their thinking, focussed at reducing operating costs, minimising environmental
impact, increasing passenger comfort, and optimising cargo carriage. These were likened to the ‘concept cars’ produced as prototypes by the automotive industry, driving technology but unlikely to reach the market in their concept form.
A lively question and answer session followed, before the lecture was brought to a close with a vote of thanks by Professor Nick Lieven, head of Aerospace Engineering at the University. Following the lecture, many took the opportunity to continue the discussions with Gordon during the excellent buffet supper.
Martin Soltau
Vice-Chairman
Western Aerospace Centre
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