AIE Part of £47 Million Grant to Develop Game-Changing Aerospace System

Lichfield, Staffordshire: Lichfield-based company Advanced Innovative Engineering (UK) Ltd are pioneering developments for an ingenious new aerospace propulsion system after recently being awarded a grant via the Department for Business, Innovation & Skills joint government and industry multi-million pound programme, ‘Building UK’s Leadership in Aerospace Technology’

The grant which is delivered by Innovate UK, the UK’s innovation agency and shaped by the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) is awarded to exceptionally innovative projects in order to support the UK’s world-leading capabilities in aerospace and maintain the benefits this position brings to the national economy.

UK Business Minister Anna Soubry announced that AIE (UK) Ltd would lead a £1.1 million project to develop game-changing electrical power systems for the next generation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The project will see AIE develop a compact 80cc propulsion system for hybrid-electric UAVs of the future using their patented liquid-cooled SPARCS technology and cutting-edge manufacturing capabilities.

Managing Director for AIE (UK) Ltd, Nathan Bailey commented “We are extremely pleased to be part of this drive to develop leading propulsion technologies, which also demonstrates the UK’s high level of advanced manufacturing capabilities for the global aerospace industry.” AIE have a strong reputation for precision engineering through innovation, and this new collaborative project will break new ground for future hybrid-electric UAV propulsion systems.”

AIE was one of 23 projects that were successful in obtaining grant funding within the UK.
Each successful project met the objectives of the ATI strategy including the four technology pillars of aerodynamics, propulsion, aerostructures and advanced systems as well as demonstrating clear benefits for economic impact on the UK.

The journey of AIE’s innovative development for next generation hybrid-electric UAV propulsion systems can be followed via AIE Twitter profile: @aieukltd.

About Innovate UK:

Innovate UK is the UK’s innovation agency that works to fund, support and connect innovative businesses to accelerate sustainable economic growth.
www.interact.innovateuk.org

About Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI):

The ATI was created by government and industry to guide investment into aerospace research and technology projects. ATI are dedicated to ensuring the UK’s aerospace technology strategy reflects the scale, vision and ambition of the sector by working collaboratively with industry, government and academia.
www.ati.org.uk

About Advanced Innovative Engineering (UK) Ltd:

AIE is a UK-based engineering company specialising in the development of innovative Wankel rotary engines. The AIE team boasts a combined experience of over 80 years in rotary engine design, R&D, and manufacturing; delivering products and services that have exceptional reliability, versatility and low total cost of ownership (TCO) for the global Aerospace, Automotive and Marine markets.

Contact AIE (UK) Ltd:

Alex Vaughn
Unit 2, Ringway Industrial Estate, Eastern Avenue, Lichfield, WS13 7SF.
Tel: +44 1543 420700
Email: mail@aieuk.com
Website: www.aieuk.com