A new Aerospace Integration Research Centre (AIRC) has been opened at the campus of Cranfield University, UK, with a £35m investment.
The AIRC features a range of technologies such as air traffic management (ATM) and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) laboratories, as well as flight simulators, a virtual wind tunnel and a FANUC robot in the intelligent automation centre.
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A 1,500m² open space work area has also been added to accommodate a full-size wing from an Airbus aircraft.
AIRC is expected to carry out research to find ways to integrate advanced technologies to reduce the duration between academic innovation and industrial application.
It will further support the development of next-generation of highly skilled engineers and help create innovative technologies required to improve performance, efficiency and reduce emissions of future aircraft.
Cranfield University vice-chancellor and chief executive Peter Gregson said: “Facilities such as the AIRC mean Cranfield is at the forefront of changing the way the world thinks about flight.
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By GlobalData“Greater integration between research and world-renowned businesses provides us with the opportunity to tackle some of aerospace’s grand challenges by providing the technologies, facilities and skills that are needed to succeed.”
Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Cranfield University have funded the construction of the new AIRC centre, after receiving an award from the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE).
Expected to drive aerospace research capabilities in the UK, the centre will enable the researchers from both the university and its business partners, including Airbus and Rolls-Royce, to work together under a single platform.
