Indian scientists, Rolls-Royce to develop green aero engines
Tuesday, 06 February 2007, 18:30 IST
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Bangalore: Two leading Indian institutions are joining hands with British aerospace firm Rolls-Royce plc and the Imperial College, London, in a research project to develop alloys for making eco-friendly aircraft engines. The research project involving the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B), which has won the UK-India education and research initiative award, will lead to the development of environment-friendly aero engines for aircraft of the future. "The new partnership between the British firm and the IISc demonstrates the growing ties between the two countries in high-tech areas," British High Commissioner in India Sir Michael Arthur said. The alloys, to be developed by researchers of the three academic institutes, will go into engine components that can change the shape or position at a particular temperature. These components can also replace moving parts in aircraft, leading to a reduced engine weight and increased energy efficiency. Rolls-Royce will work with teams from Imperial College and the Indian institutes to design "self-actuating" components for use in aero engines to reduce noise and emission. "The new research collaboration marks a long-term partnership on advanced technology development. Globally, we operate 27 university technology centres focused on advanced engineering and technology," Rolls-Royce India managing director Tim Jones said. The high commissioner is accompanying a 50-member British delegation to the Aero India 2007, the five-day biennial event beginning Wednesday at the Yelahanka base of the Indian Air Force (IAF), about 20 km from here. The delegation is led by Alan Garwood, head of defence export services in the British defence ministry. Among the British firms participating in the mega event are BAE Systems, Cobham, Esterline, Doncasters, Farnborough Aerospace consortium, GKN Aerospace, Hampsons, HR Smit group and Martin-Baker Aircraft Company, apart from Rolls-Royce.
Source: IANS
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