The National Composites Centre (NCC) in Bristol has announced that Berkshire-based Airborne UK has joined as a Tier Two member, presenting further opportunities for the two organisations to work together on automation and collaborative digital projects, with the aim of reducing the cost of manufacturing composite structures.

As a Tier Two member, Airborne UK will be able to access the NCC’s world-leading facilities and capabilities, as well as the expertise needed to support its ventures.

Membership will also enable it to participate in core R&D projects defined by Tier One members and to develop solutions aligned with aerospace OEMs’ goals.

Marc Funnell, NCC head of digital (www.nccuk.com), said: “We are delighted that Airborne UK has cemented our relationship through its membership of the NCC.

“This partnership will enable the NCC to build on its work in applying modelling and data science techniques, so that we can gain a much more comprehensive understanding of composite processes.

"This will ultimately demonstrate the potential of digitally enabled manufacturing to produce parts more efficiently while maintaining the highest level of quality.”

Joe Summers, Airborne UK’s managing director, said: “Airborne is very pleased to join the National Composites Centre as a Tier Two member.

“Our goal is to be the recognised market leader for automation and digitalisation solutions.

“We expect our membership to help us connect with potential customers and demonstrate our technology more effectively.”