The government has awarded Airbus UK half of the £34M costs for the first phase of the 'Integrated Wing' concept programme.
The consortium, of 17 bodies and led by Airbus UK, hopes the design will allow more sustainable air travel, with more efficient wings reducing fuel consumption, emissions and noise.The project will be based at the Airbus UK factory at Broughton, North Wales. The first phase of lasts three years, to integrate wing, wing systems, fuel and landing gear technologies. The second stage will develop a large-scale demonstrator.The project aims to combine the most promising wing systems, landing gear and fuel systems. After completing Phase 1, the intention is to go on and develop a large-scale physical demonstrator in the second phase.Secretary of State for Trade and Industry Alistair Darling said, 'It means Britain leading the drive for greener aerospace technology. More efficient, less emissions. That is what this project aims to deliver. Strengthening the economy, kinder to the environment. That is why we are backing it.'
Have your say
You must sign in to make a comment
Please remember that the submission of any material is governed by our Terms and Conditions and by submitting material you confirm your agreement to these Terms and Conditions. Please note comments made online may also be published in the print edition of New Civil Engineer. Links may be included in your comments but HTML is not permitted.