14/10/2003

Rolls-Royce awarded £17m for aerospace research

Rolls-Royce have been awarded £17.3 million in DTI funding for a new civil aerospace research programme, it has been announced today.

The new programme, called ATAP-10, will draw on £38.8 million in funding over four years, £17.3 million of which will be provided by the DTI, the remainder by Rolls-Royce.

Visiting the company's Derby plant today, Jacqui Smith announced that the cash will fund various research projects exploring new technologies and testing out the latest in scientific innovation.

Industry Minister Jacqui Smith said: "High quality research and innovation of this nature is key to the future success of British Manufacturing.

"I am delighted to award Rolls-Royce this substantial funding today. This is good news for the UK aerospace industry, the company and its employees as well as the universities and other organisations involved.

"This high-tech, high value research will play a key role in developing new, cleaner technology and lower costs to manufacturing. This is a great example of British business exploiting our science and academic expertise.

Dr Mike Howse, Rolls-Royce Director of Engineering and Technology, said: "We very much welcome the Government's decision to support the ATAP 10 programme. With its emphasis on technology validation, ATAP will help to ensure that the UK retains its leading role in the global aero-engine sector. This continuing support is important to Rolls-Royce, its workforce and its many suppliers."

Fundamental goals centre on improving engine performance, minimising environmental impact and reducing the cost of manufacture. Many projects will involve a high degree of collaboration with universities and other specialist academic outlets.

The projects will help to ensure the UK retains its leading role in the aero- engine sector, the DTI has said. They will focus on key research areas such as combustion, materials, cooling systems, aerodynamics and manufacturing technology, leading on to the validation of a range of product-enabling technologies.

The universities of Cambridge, Cranfield, Durham, Loughborough, Nottingham, Oxford - Imperial College, Queens University Belfast and organisations such as coatings specialist TSTL and science and technology solutions provider QinetiQ will be involved in one or more of the research projects.

(gmcg)

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