Research teams at Loughborough University and the University of Nottingham have secured almost a quarter of a million pounds from the Transport Innovation Network (iNet) for a ground breaking research into new materials for use in aerospace manufacturing.

The project will see Loughborough and Nottingham universities working together for the very first time, as well as collaborating with Loughborough-based M. Wright and Sons Ltd, a skilled manufacturer of high technology textile products. The aims of the research are to develop innovative techniques to create lightweight materials to replace traditional aluminium alloy components in the manufacture of aircraft parts such as skin panels and wing ribs. 

David Pickering of the Transport iNet, said: "This Transport iNet Higher Education Collaboration grant is crucial in establishing and maintaining a strong, efficient and low cost manufacturing base in the East Midlands for new materials. This is an internationally significant project that will contribute towards the reduction in carbon emissions and improve fuel efficiency across the whole of the transport industry in the future."

Loughborough University's Dr Paul Cunningham, added: "The grant from the Transport iNet will enable us to work with Nottingham University and M. Wright and Sons Ltd to research new manufacturing processes for 3D textiles. This is a unique opportunity for us to exploit existing technology and adapt it for use in aerospace, automotive and the marine sectors."

Michael Wright, of M. Wright and Sons Ltd, said: "We have scoured universities looking for the right partners and Loughborough and Nottingham have the exact aerospace and automotive experience we need to further develop our capabilities. Through working with the universities we are able to add credibility to our own products at an international level. It is a very long term process, but the aerospace industry is keen to embrace new technology so with this research project we are well placed to be at the forefront of new manufacturing techniques. It is also important to mention that our company has been lucky to have had substantial grant support from emda, which has placed us in the position to develop products from the fast growing composite industry."

Professor Nick Warrior from the University of Nottingham, commented: "This is the first time we have joined forces with Loughborough and local business M. Wright and Sons Ltd on a research project of this kind, and it's a really exciting time. The potential wider benefits of the projects include reducing manufacturing costs, increasing efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. Ultimately, developing this new material could increase the number of passengers carried on aircraft and the range of applications the technology can be used for is phenomenal."

The research findings are expected to put the East Midlands on the map as leaders in low cost manufacturing and technological innovation, as well establishing a solid basis for future collaborations between the universities and M. Wright and Sons Ltd, to share knowledge and resources.

The Transport iNet is funded by East Midlands Development Agency (emda) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim of the iNet is to share expertise and stimulate the research and development of new products, services and processes.

For more information visit www.eminnovation.org.uk or contact Carol Wright on 01509 635270.