Poole-based AIC Group (www.aicservice.com) has been awarded a multi-million-pound contract by UTC Aerospace Systems to custom-build an 18ft-diameter autoclave featuring ‘state of the art’ control systems. The autoclave — the first of its size in the UK — will allow UTC Aerospace Systems’ facility in Prestwick, Scotland, to maintain, repair and overhaul larger nacelles fitted to the next generation of wide-bodied aircraft.

The autoclave, which will be operational by the end of 2015, will run on AIC’s Autoclave Management and Control System (AMCS); this provides significant production efficiencies and energy savings, as well as aerospace-compliant QA reports. The autoclave will be maintained by AIC in a 10-year programme that includes 24/7 technical support.

Nigel Clifford, AIC’s head of sales, said: “The contract is the result of many months of collaborative working between AIC and UTC Aerospace Systems. We jointly investigated different configurations, potential cost savings and delivery logistics before arriving at a carefully specified solution that will deliver exceptional performance, high levels of reliability, energy savings and low environmental impact.”

The autoclave will be delivered to the site in sections after being hydro-tested and joined using a so-called ‘golden weld’ that is 100% radiographic-tested. Furthermore, AIC’s advanced water cooling system will deliver cooling with minimal environmental impact, significantly reducing the use of chemicals while achieving lower running costs, energy savings and waste disposal savings.