Atlas Composites says it has signed up to inspire the UK’s composites engineers of the future at this year's Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) event, after its head of engineering, Andrew Taylor agreed to join the Tri@RIAT team, for the Lockheed Martin Warrior Engineering Challenge. Bristol University Engineering Graduate Taylor will offer practical engineering support to a team of students, aged 13 and 14, as he mentors ‘Team Raptor’ - aptly named after the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor fifth generation fighter. Taylor’s team of budding engineers from the Royal Wootton Bassett Academy in Swindon will be challenged to develop a solution to an engineering problem against other teams from the surrounding area. Over the course of the day, participants will choose materials to fit within a given budget, work collaboratively under the guidance of their team leader, test the ability of their vehicles and finally compete for the Champion’s Shield in the public arena where they will need to perform a speed challenge over sand, and endeavour to transport goods from the start to the end of the circuit. Tri@RIAT sponsors Lockheed Martin, with whom Atlas Composites achieved bronze award preferred supplier status in 2009, will be joined by industry partners for the two day event to be held at RAF Fairford 7- 8th July. The winning team will be announced by Lockheed Martin’s executive vice-president, Tom Burbage. www.atlascomposites.com
