Airbus Helicopters (
www.airbushelicopters.com) is to boost its industrial presence in the UK after winning Government funding worth more than £3 million for two research projects.
Managing director (UK) Colin James said that new research into rotor-blade technology and advanced materials will set the stage for investment in research and manufacturing facilities in the UK.
This marks the first time that Airbus Helicopters has invested in UK Government-led industrial development.
At a press conference, Mr James said: “Compared with the rest of the Airbus Group, which has a balance of core business activities spanning France, Germany, Spain and the UK, Airbus Helicopters has an under-developed
industrial presence in Britain, and we mean to change this.”
The UK is Europe’s biggest market for helicopters, and Airbus has the largest share of the UK market, making almost a third of the 1,400 turbine-powered helicopters operating in Britain. It currently manufactures helicopters at its two main bases in France and Germany; it also has assembly lines in the USA and China.
The first new project — worth £2 million and part-funded by the UK Government through the Aerospace Technology Institute — will see Airbus Helicopters partner with Cranfield University, BHR Group and SME Helitune to study technologies for measuring blade deformation in flight.
The second project — worth £1.2 million and supported through the Advanced Manufacturing supply chain initiative — will see Airbus Helicopters partner with Net Composites to help develop and then produce lower-weight and lower-cost helicopter armour.
Business Minister Anna Soubry said: “Airbus Helicopters is the largest turbine helicopter manufacturer in the world, and these innovative projects can only strengthen our capabilities in this field.
The Government will continue to back our world-leading aerospace sector to keep driving innovation and economic growth, and creating skilled jobs.”
During the press conference, Mr James was asked about the news that the UK Government is considering whether to replace grant funding of R&D with loans. Several business leaders have expressed concern that this would diminish the UK’s ability to innovate and discourage investment in R&D.
Mr James said: “While Government support in its current form is not the only reason for doing research in the UK, it is certainly a differentiating factor in deciding whether to do it in the UK or elsewhere.”