07 May 2003

Cash injection into aerospace research announced

A new boost for research in the aerospace industry has been announced today by Industry Minister Alan Johnson.

Almost £1.5 million will help develop new technologies and processes to reduce waste during the manufacture of aerospace components. The project will be run by Finite Element Analysis in conjunction with other supply chain companies.

A further £1.2 million will help create new materials and processes to develop the next generation of gas turbines, which will reduce fuel consumption and harmful emissions.

Alan Johnson said: "It is crucial that the UK aerospace industry keeps evolving its technologies, processes and materials to ensure it has a competitive edge.

"I am delighted that this new research involves companies throughout the aerospace supply chain and also the latest expertise of universities.

"I am looking forward to the Aerospace innovation and growth team report which will make an extremely important contribution to the future success of the industry."

The 'Precimould' project led by Finite Element Analysis aims to develop a capability for high precision composite moulding by investigating and developing technologies to eliminate distortions during manufacture. This will avoid scrap, reduce rework and assembly costs.

The 'Adam' project, led by Rolls Royce, is seeking to reduce fuel burn and weight in aero engines whilst maintaining high levels of component integrity over increasingly longer life spans. New higher temperature materials for compressor and turbine use will be required to meet new global standards.

The projects are part of the £21 million which the DTI is giving to the aerospace industry for research and technology this year.

As part of the DTI's strategy to help the aerospace sector, Ministers have set up a team to draw on expertise of the major aerospace players to identify the key issues which will shape the future of the industry.

(GMcG)