Cygnet Texkimp was selected as part of a national programme organised by Innovate UK following a competitive tender process. The company will join a consortium of four British specialists who will collaborate in a four-year project to expand the use of composite material in the future generation of aircrafts.
The programme will be led by aerospace composite product manufacturer Crompton Technology Group (CTG, a UTAS company) at its Composite Centre of Excellence in Banbury. The consortium also includes the National Composites Centre (NCC) and the National Composites Certification and Evaluation Facility (NCCEF) at the University of Manchester
The project is being driven by the need for manufacturers and their suppliers to meet increasingly stringent environmental regulations governing aerospace traffic and deliver more energy efficient aircraft. Composite materials are lighter than conventional materials metals and alloys, and therefore reduce fuel consumption and carbon footprint.
Luke Vardy, managing director of Cygnet Texkimp, said: “We’re collaborating to raise the profile of UK manufacturing and develop cutting-edge technology to compete globally. Our work is exceptionally relevant in an aerospace market that is increasingly focused on fuel efficiency through saving in weight.
“The knowledge and capability we have in this field in the UK is phenomenal and we hope that by working together in this way we can create machinery and products that not only lead the world but also give us the opportunity to develop successful commercial streams for British manufacturers.”
Technologies developed as part of the project will be used to develop composite products including actuators, tie rods (interior, Nacelle hold open rods) and struts (centre wing box, structure).
