A consortium led by Honeywell has received UK Government funding for a project that will explore how Additive Manufacturing (AM) can improve complex environmental control and cabin pressure systems within aircraft.
The £14.1m research and development project, funded through the ATI Programme, and called STRATA will also involve the use of AI and other technologies to drive simulations and modelling that could lead to accelerated innovation cycles.
Other opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce Scope 3 emissions, and help address supply chain challenges through the production of additively manufactured qualified aerospace parts will also be explored.
Project STRATA
Project STRATA will focus on the development of five innovative components within Environmental Control Systems (ECS) and Cabin Pressure Control Systems (CPCS) aboard aircraft. These complex technologies manage the cabin environment and ensure flyer safety and comfort.
STRATA will also advance thermal management technology for next-generation aircraft that is aimed at reducing the amount of energy required for heating and cooling of aircraft, as well as fuel consumption in-line with STRATA’s goal of supporting net-zero aerospace manufacturing and broader environmental objectives.
“STRATA represents a commitment to take the UK’s aerospace manufacturing leadership to new levels through the use of cutting-edge technology,” said Anthony Florian, President, Honeywell Aerospace Technologies EMEAI. “This is an exciting opportunity to bring our deep experience in driving cross-sector aerospace research and local engineering capabilities to accelerate the development of more efficient aircraft components in the UK.”
Who will be involved?
As part of the consortium, Honeywell is bringing together industry leaders, including small and medium-sized enterprises and academic institutions. They include:
- Metal 3D printing service bureau 3T Additive Manufacturing that was just avquired by SOB.
- BeyondMathwill work on physics simulations to help empower engineers to optimise designs, reducing development time and costs while improving performance, leveraging expertise from Formula 1 and other high-performance industries.
- Qdot Technology: expert in thermal management solutions for the most challenging environments, Qdot is developing additively manufactured heat exchanger technology for aerospace, motorsport and other demanding applications. This enables the design and production of compact, high-efficiency components, lowering manufacturing costs and enhancing overall heat transfer performance whilst reducing weight and drag.
- Oxford Thermofluids Institute, a part of the University of Oxford: A global expert in heat transfer research, Oxford ensures STRATA benefits from the latest scientific advancements in aerospace thermal management.
The ATI Programme funds world-class research into advanced civil aerospace technologies, and is delivered in partnership between the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), the Department for Business & Trade and Innovate UK.
Drawing upon many years of experience in aerospace research and development programmes across Europe (through the SESAR Joint Undertaking, Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking, and Innovate UK), Honeywell will lead STRATA from its facility in Yeovil, UK, home to a dedicated team of more than 500 engineers.
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