Over 100 attendees turned out on 28th January 2010 to a
Transport iNet event covering Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Markets
& Technologies, organised by Midlands Aerospace Alliance (MAA)
and held at Pride Park in Derby.
Nine industry specialists including speakers from BAE Systems
and Cosworth showcased their expertise in UAV technology systems
and their application to modern markets. UAV technology facilitates
the use of remotely piloted and self piloted aircraft, which up
until recently has been primarily used for military purposes. New
research has enabled the development of new innovative UAV systems
which are now being used everywhere from police forces to power
pylons.
Stan Payne, manager of the MAA's Aerospace Innovation Support
Programme funded by the Transport iNet, said: "This event
highlights the high level of interest in UAVs and illustrates the
increasing importance of their associated technologies and use in
modern aircraft across a growing number of markets as diverse as
aerospace, defence, intelligence, surveillance, emergency services
and industrial."
Pictured above: Chesterfield-based Fibreflight
Chesterfield-based Fibreflight has received advice and support
from the Transport iNet specialises in the design and manufacture
of UAVs. Managing Director Richard Hardwick was among the speakers.
He said: "The UK has the capacity it needs to facilitate new
innovative technologies to drive the UA V market. Bringing a number
of its key players together at this event shows that with the right
support we can achieve dramatic things."
The MAA organised the event, funded by the Transport iNet. The
Transport iNet offers SMEs support and funding for new and
developing innovations across a number of transport sectors.
Transport iNet Project Director John Frodsham said: "The
opportunity for industry players to join together and share ideas
and experiences on UAV systems will help to develop a platform for
exploring new UAV technologies including safe and cost-effective
civil applications."
The Transport iNet, which is based at Loughborough University,
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 across the five transport
sectors, rail, marine, automotive, motorsport and aerospace.