IISc, IIT-Mumbai to work with London college on aviation project

Bangalore, Feb 6 (UNI) The Indian Institute of Science here and the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, would work together with the London-based Imperial College in a research project to develop alloys for building 'greener' aircraft engines of the future, British High Commissioner to India Sir Michael Arthur said today.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of Aero India 2007 here, he termed the joint research project initiative with Imperial College, rated among the top three UK universities, as a real illustration of the UK's creative best in partnership with India and said the project would produce cutting edge products that were both environment-friendly and built for aircraft of the future.

The envoy said the alloys, to be developed, would lead to engine components that could change shape or position at a particular temperature. These components could replace mechanical moving parts in aircraft, leading to reduced engine weight and increased energy efficiency.

Sir Arthur said Rolls-Royce, the world leading provider of power systems and services, would collaborate with the project, working closely with teams from the three institutions to design self-actuating components suitable for the use in aero engines.

On Aero India 2007, he said the UK had sent the largest-ever contingent of over 30 major companies to exhibit its capabilities and cutting-edge technology in the aerospace sector. The strong UK attendance at the event would also demonstrate that the country saw India as a dynamic market and saw better opportunities to work with Indian companies, doing well in the aerospace sector.

Sir Arthur said the UK laid strong emphasis on joint ventures and partnerships to bring more modernity in the aerospace industry. The country had invested 30 per cent more on Research and Development, spending over five billion US dollars to remain ahead in the sector.

He said the first batch of the Advanced Jet Trainer Hawk, to be supplied by BAE Systems, would arrive in India by September. BAE Systems was also providing interim pilot training to 40 pilots of the Indian Air Force at Royal Air Force Valley in Wales.

UNI