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Investment in new aeroplane technologies is the key to the UK maintaining its
status as an aerospace leader, according to a report.
The Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) said the country's research
and development spending has "flat-lined" since the 2008 financial crisis.
It said that made the UK's position vulnerable to China, India and Brazil.
It urged the creation of a research centre to test ideas such as pilot-free
planes and solar-powered flight.
"The UK aerospace sector already employs over 100,000 people around the country
and is worth over 29bn a year to our economy, but we need to take action now
to ensure this sector can continue to thrive and grow," said Stephen Tetlow,
chief executive of IMechE.
He said the UK was currently the second biggest aerospace manufacturer in the
world.
However, it is being challenged by emerging economies, which are offering firms
competitive R&D opportunities to boost their market share, as well as the
promise of cheaper labour.
Future tech
IMechE's Aero 2075 report made three recommendations to secure the UK's lead.
Design for a blended wing jet IMechE's concept design for a double decker
blended wing aircraft, capable of carrying 650 passengers
Industry and government should agree a strategic vision for investing in the
UK's aerospace sector
The UK should establish an advanced technologies aerospace research centre
Government should restore R&D support to pre-recession levels
If the suggestions were to be followed, the institution suggested there could
be a range of UK-designed innovations in the skies over the next 50 years.
It said these could include formation flying, where a group of aircraft cruise
in a V-shaped formation to reduce drag and boost fuel efficiency.
IMechE said there were opportunities to explore generating power mid-flight
from renewable sources, such as solar and hydrogen fuel cells. However, it
warned batteries would have to become lighter.
It noted that the UK was already involved in the production of unmanned aerial
vehicles for the military. It said the research could be extended to develop
pilot-less freighter aircraft, even if passengers resisted the idea.
Perhaps its most radical idea was the suggestion that a large "mothership"
aircraft could carry smaller individual units, which would be released over
designated areas, allowing passengers to be dropped off closer to their final
destinations.
"These technologies may seem fanciful, but there is engineering research that
shows that these technologies are feasible," said Philippa Oldham, head of
transport at IMechE.
"These aircraft would be expensive but it's important to remember that these
developments bring jobs and investment back into the UK."