The UK Government has allocated funding of £80m to support research activities in aerospace technologies.

The funding is part of a commitment by the aerospace industry and UK government to spend £2bn through the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI).

In addition to the funding for six projects in aerospace research, aerospace companies are providing £20m to enhance skills in the sector.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "The UK’s aerospace industry has been propelled to a position of global excellence by a combination of winning ideas, innovation and talent.

"This has created new ways to manufacture, new skills and a flexible chain of supplying businesses that will secure the industry’s long term profitability."

"Airbus Group will work with seven other companies to identify power management solutions for aircraft and replace hydraulic systems with electric control systems."

The projects will bring together 18 companies, 11 research institutions and five Catapult centres across the UK.

A team led by Rolls-Royce with nine partners and McLaren Racing will work on developing high-power gearboxes for future aircraft engines. Rolls-Royce will also work on new concepts for future engine architectures.

A team of nine partners, led by Airbus, will design improved landing gear for future aircraft, including electric taxi technology. Airbus Group will work with seven other companies to identify power management solutions for aircraft and replace hydraulic systems with electric control systems.

A team led by GE Aviation Systems will develop printed circuit board test equipment to produce electronic products that can withstand harsh environments.

Airbus, Marshall Aerospace and Defence and Bristol, Loughborough and Cranfield universities will collaborate to test innovations in wing design.

ADS Group CEO Paul Everitt said: "Aerospace is a UK success story with a 17% share of a fast growing global market."

The Aerospace Growth Partnership, a collaboration between the government and industry, is said to be a platform that encourages investment in innovation, skills and the supply chain to position UK as a competitive market.