£343m investment to spark green revolution in aerospace

The UK government and industry will invest £343m in the research and development of cleaner and greener hybrid aircraft.

The investment, announced by business and energy secretary Greg Clark at the Farnborough International Airshow yesterday, includes £255m for 18 new research and technology projects.

The projects will, it is claimed, help maintain the UK’s strengths in aerospace and position it as a leader in electric aircraft, hybrid-propulsion systems and advanced materials.

“The UK has a rich heritage in civil aviation as the home of the jet engine and the wings factory of the world,” said Clark. “Technology is driving revolutionary changes in aviation that have not been seen since the 1970s and today’s investment is foundational to the future of commercial aviation and ensuring the UK remains at the cutting-edge of the sector. This revolution in civil aerospace will bring significant benefits to UK industry, passengers and the environment.”

Aviation minister Baroness Sugg said the development of quicker and cleaner aircraft would transform the transport market. “Developing innovation, technology and skills is a core part of the government’s Aviation Strategy and this funding will help us to ensure that the UK aviation sector continues to be a world leader in this area,” she said.

The upcoming July/August issue of Professional Engineering magazine includes an in-depth look at the race to get commercial electric planes into the skies.