Breakthrough Aerospace technologies to receive Innovate UK funding
Game-changing technologies that will help maintain the UK's position as having the second largest aerospace industry in the world are to be supported by a new 10m competition announced by the Government's innovation experts today.
The "Game-changing technologies in aerospace” competition the 3rd of the Highly Innovative Technology Enablers in Aerospace (HITEA)"programme will be run by Innovate UK and will help turn recent technological discoveries into commercial reality, with a particular focus on supporting small firms.
Disruptive technologies, such as electric propulsion and new aircraft designs will be looked at as part of competition as well as supporting technological developments such as: new manufacturing techniques to enhance cost effectiveness and affordability; lighter stronger, more environmentally friendly materials; systems which improve aircraft performance and efficiency, and; new modelling and simulation techniques.
Kevin Baughan, Director of Technology at Innovate UK said:
"Whether it's building an electric aircraft engine or developing a radical new design of aeroplane, the UK will only maintain its world leading aerospace manufacturing reputation by investing in technology in the long term. So competitions like this enable our aerospace sector to continue to face the big challenges of the future. By supporting small firms and academia to get brand new discoveries quickly to a commercial market, which can then be supported by the Aerospace Technology Institute, we are helping the UK develop a global competitive advantage that will keep our businesses one-step ahead."
Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS, the national trade association for the UK aerospace industry commented:
”Aerospace is a UK success story and the launch of this competition highlights the unique partnership that is helping to secure long-term competitive advantage. The close co-operation between industry, Government and academia facilitated by Innovate UK helps ensure UK aerospace has the innovation and new technology to meet future customer requirements and demanding environmental standards.”
The competition also encourages companies and researchers that currently work outside the aerospace industry to apply, and bring their technical knowledge and expertise to a consortium to further encourage businesses to grow.
The HITEA programme builds on the priorities identified in the Aerospace industrial strategy and by the Aerospace Growth partnership. It also complements the work of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) and offers an opportunity to develop new technology solutions that could feed ATI projects of the future.
The full scope of the competition is available here: https://interact.innovateuk.org/competition-display-page/-/asset_publisher/RqEt2AKmEBhi/content/game-changing-technologies-for-aerospacenbsp;
