A consortium led by Honeywell has received UK Government funding for a project that aims to revolutionise how critical aerospace technologies are manufactured in the UK through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and additive manufacturing (AM).

The £14.1m research and development project, funded through the ATI Programme, will explore how AI and other technologies can drive simulations and modelling to lead to accelerated innovation cycles. It will also explore opportunities to increase efficiency, reduce Scope 3 emissions and help address supply chain challenges through the production of additively manufactured, qualified aerospace parts.

Project Strata will focus on the development of five components within environmental control systems (ECS) and cabin pressure control systems (CPCS) aboard aircraft.

Strata also aims to advance thermal management technology for next-generation aircraft, to reduce the amount of energy required for the heating and cooling of aircraft, as well as fuel consumption.

“Additive manufacturing has the ability to deliver both high-performance optimised components and the consolidation of complex assemblies into a single part, which can lower manufacturing costs, reduce waste and deliver new efficiencies in manufacturing,” said Jacqueline Castle, CTO at the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI). “Strata will bring this capability to critical aircraft systems, utilising advanced simulation technologies to transform the design process. This project aligns well with the ATI’s strategy and roadmap for additive manufacturing for advanced systems, which sees additive manufacturing contributing significantly to the sector’s future sustainability.”

The consortium partners include 3T Additive Manufacturing; BeyondMath; Qdot Technology; and Oxford Thermofluids Institute, part of the University of Oxford.

The ATI Programme funds research into advanced civil aerospace technologies, and is delivered in partnership between the ATI, the Department for Business & Trade, and Innovate UK.