Engineering news
Business secretary Greg Clark announced the funding at the inaugural Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) conference in Birmingham. Government and industry heads hope the investments in innovative technology will enable growth, boost exports and create “high value” jobs.
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy funding will support collaborative research projects into aircraft power systems, new battery technology and ways of enhancing cabin air quality. It will also invest in projects developing an open software architecture for flight deck applications, innovative technologies for next-generation engines and the establishment of two additive manufacturing testing facilities.
“The UK aerospace sector is one of the most successful in the world, with strengths in some of the most technologically advanced parts of aircraft,” said Clark. “This investment is part of the £3.9bn government and industry committed to the sector by 2026. The ATI plays a crucial role in helping to direct this investment and maintain UK excellence in the sector.”
Partners involved in the projects include Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GE Aviation, Honeywell, Safran, the Manufacturing Technology Centre and a number of research organisations, universities and small- and medium-sized enterprises.
The announcement builds on £923m of government investment delivered through the ATI, which has supported 196 projects involving 208 companies and organisations. Establishing the institute in 2013, government and industry made a joint commitment to invest £3.9bn in civil aerospace research and development projects by 2026.
The ATI also previewed a new aircraft performance tool at the conference. The Fixed Trade Calculator lets companies assess the potential impact of new technologies on conventional aircraft, showing the possible fuel burn benefits, operating cost changes and environmental impact.
The calculator will be “a unique capability for the UK supply chain,” said ATI chief executive Gary Elliott. “Sharing a capability such as this, which has previously only been available to a small group of well-resourced manufacturers, will be a significant benefit to those working in UK aerospace. Now, through this online resource, UK suppliers will be able to understand more about how the technology they develop will impact the overall performance of representative narrow and wide-bodied aircraft.”
Content published by Professional Engineering does not necessarily reflect the views of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.