USC

Boeing and the University of South Carolina (USC) have partnered on the development of next-generation aerospace technologies that will be adapted into Boeing products.

Under the deal, the organisations will work together on up to two dozen research projects, and Boeing will support the project with $5m funds.

USC president Harris Pastides said: "This partnership with Boeing puts the University of South Carolina on the forefront of research that will lead to exciting new discoveries in the aerospace field.

"Together with Boeing, the McNair Center will work not only to innovate, but also educate future aerospace engineers and makes South Carolina a choice destination for the aerospace industry."

USC’s McNair Aerospace Center will focus on projects such as identifying new techniques to place carbon fibre composite materials, and fusing aircraft parts.

"We [will] become better able to deliver for our customers, our employees, our stakeholders and our communities, including South Carolina."

Boeing and McNair will also create automated manufacturing processes to help improve structural efficiencies.

Boeing chief technology officer John Tracy said: "This partnership with the university will help ensure Boeing can incorporate innovative technologies that will make our products even more capable, our workplaces even more productive and our company even stronger.

"And as our company is strengthened, we become better able to deliver for our customers, our employees, our stakeholders and our communities, including South Carolina."

The company recently opened a research and technology facility in North Charleston, which focuses on advanced techniques to produce composite fuselage and propulsion components.

Boeing operates its second 787 Dreamliner final assembly and delivery facility in South Carolina. It also also fabricates, assembles and installs systems for rear fuselage sections of the 787.


Image: USC president Harris Pastides. Photo: courtesy of University of South Carolina.