CUTTING-EDGE new research facilities and technology projects have been unveiled in Coventry as part of a bid to keep the UK top of its game in the aerospace industry.
Business Minister, Anna Soubry visited the city’s Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) at Ansty Park to open the new Aerospace Research Centre and National Centre for Net Shape and Additive Manufacturing (commonly known as 3D printing) which will be the hub of new research into aerospace technology.
The Aerospace Research Centre will allow companies to develop new materials such as lightweight carbon fibre for use in planes, jet engines and civil helicopters, while the 3D printing centre will develop new products for aero-engines and aircraft landing gear, as well as automotive and medical devices.
The MP also announced a new £5 million joint Government and industry funded project to research how pioneering technologies, such as the Internet of Things, can be applied to aircraft factory production.
Speaking at the MTC, the Ms Soubry said the Government were working hard with industry to keep Britain at the forefront of the global aerospace market.
She added: “We are currently second only to the United States, but there is more to do and it is important that we continue to invest in R&D and develop ground-breaking technologies.
“Demand for new aircraft is at record levels – around 45,000 new aircraft and 40,000 helicopters are needed between now and 2032, worth over $5 trillion.
“This will provide billions of pounds of work to the UK economy given our leading capability in wings, engines, helicopters, advanced systems and services.
“Getting this right will deliver economic benefit through our large, mid-sized and small companies across the breadth of the country.”
The announcement will be welcome news to those have awaited significant development in advance manufacturing at the Antsy Park site for over a decade.
