The Belfast site of plane maker Bombardier is joining a research project to improve the environmental performance of aircraft engines. The five-year £95 million Environmentally Friendly Engine (EFE) programme, which is led by Rolls Royce, is a key element of the National Aerospace Technology Strategy. It involves 11 UK organisations from industry and academia, including Queen's University, Belfast.
Bombardier Aerospace in Belfast is to focus on ways to reduce emissions, fuel burn and noise from aircraft, as well as supporting the environmental performance targets set by the Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research in Europe, The Northern Ireland section of the Canadian owned firm is spearheading a £6 million power plant package of the programme, which includes exploring new nacelle (the streamlined engine enclosure) design concepts that will help reduce weight, drag and noise.
Michael Ryan, Vice-President and General Manager of Bombardier Aerospace, Belfast, said the company took its environmental responsibilities seriously. "This is an excellent opportunity for us to hone our skills in nacelle design and to further develop and validate some of the technologies we have already been working on."
