A new National Aerospace Research Consortium (NARC) has been announced, aligning itself with the Aerospace Technology Institute’s four technology pillars – aircraft of the future, future propulsion, smart, connected and electric aircraft of the future, and aero structures of the future.
It intends to create a nation-wide infrastructure of integrated and accessible research facilities to support each of these pillars.
The founding members of the consortium are the University of Bristol, the University of Cambridge, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, Cranfield University, the University of Manchester, Queens University Belfast, the University of Sheffield, the University of Nottingham, the University of Strathclyde and the University of Southampton.
These universities have already begun work on the future propulsion pillar, with a proposal for a network of advanced electric and hybrid-electric propulsion development facilities.
Chief technology officer of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Dr Simon Weeks said: “At the ATI, we welcome a strong and co-ordinated university research base that is able to support the aerospace sector and further develop the UK’s international reputation for high quality research.
“The NARC initiative, led by a number of the UK’s leading aerospace universities, represents a significant step forward in creating a national entity that can co-ordinate and promote the excellent work undertaken by our leading academic teams.”
Pro vice-chancellor for research at the University of Bristol professor Nishan Canagarajah made further comments, saying that the initiative is a brilliant way for some of the top universities in the UK to collaborate and provide the aerospace industry in the UK with access to world-leading research facilities, skills and expertise, as well as talented research engineers.
Earlier this month, Theresa May pledged extra investment for the aerospace industry, in a speech at the Fanrborough Airshow. The prime minister offered over £300 million of industry and government money for numerous projects, including research on more eco-friendly aircraft. She also said that her plan for Brexit would secure millions of sector jobs in the UK.
Furthermore, there will also be more funding made available for two new spaceports, one in Scotland and the other in Cornwall, as well as a commitment to build a new high-tech fighter aircraft set to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon, the BBC reports.
While this all sounds very positive indeed, it’s worth noting that industry trade body ADS has issued a warning that the sector could be left in a very tricky position if Britain leaves the single market and the EU customs union, because it’s so dependent on cross-border trade for components.
And last month (June), Tom Enders – boss of Airbus UK – said it could pull production out of the UK if the country leaves the EU without a transition deal in place. At the moment, the French company employs around 14,000 people in the UK.
For help with aerospace engineering in the UK, get in touch with us today.