Aircraft

A new UK aerospace headquarters has opened, supporting the allocation of £2bn in funding for research and technology schemes across the country.

Established to strengthen UK’s position in the global aerospace industry, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, will manage the country’s technology strategy for next-generation aircraft.

Hybrid Air Vehicles’ former CEO Gary Elliott has been appointed as chief executive of the ATI.

The ATI will initially provide £2m in funding to the Aircraft Research Association (ARA) in Bedford to enhance its capability to conduct wind tunnel research and testing.

ARA’s wind tunnels will allow aerospace companies to carry out advanced research in the early stages of the development of new aircraft and helicopters.

"We are building the high-grade skills and technologies that will drive sustained growth."

Business minister Michael Fallon said the headquarters at Cranfield is one of many new projects supported by Aerospace Technology Institute funding.

"By supporting partnerships between companies and universities across the UK, we are building the high-grade skills and technologies that will drive sustained growth," Fallon said.

"The government’s industrial strategy will give the industry the long-term certainty it needs to stay competitive and create jobs, and will ensure the UK remains one of the world’s most attractive locations for aerospace manufacturing."

Improvements resulted from the ATI are estimated to lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions of over 100 million tonnes every year from next generation aircraft.


Image: The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has been established to strengthen UK’s position in the global aerospace industry. Photo: courtesy of Suzanne T.

Defence Technology