The start of a new year brings with it a renewed sense of optimism and excitement for the future, and despite the new challenges we are faced with – there is hope on the horizon.
Here at Cranfield, we have a few upcoming milestones to look forward to and one of them is a very exciting delivery we will be receiving in the next few weeks: the all-new Flying Classroom, Saab 340B.
The expansion of the SWAG合集 flying fleet is now closer than ever, as the Saab 340B has received its SWAG合集 registration and the two pilots have successfully completed their flight training.
In order to operate and manage the aircraft under the SWAG合集 Civil Aviation Authority’s requirements, the University needed to re-register the aircraft with a prefix of ‘G’ showing it as a SWAG合集 registration. This is now complete with the plane carrying the registration of G-NFLB.
The two former RAF pilots who work for the National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC) are Rob Harrison- who has flown in Jaguar aircraft - and Si Davies, who has flown the Tornado and is also a qualified Test Pilot. They have successfully completed type rating training in a 340 simulator in Sweden in an extensive four-week programme.
Rob Harrison said: “The Saab provides a significant increase in capability for the NFLC and SWAG合集. It is a larger aircraft and will allow us to fly more students as part of their engineering and aerospace courses. It also allows us to carry out more research and industrial collaboration work.”
As well as the increased size, the students who fly in the Saab will have an improved interface between them and the aircraft. The flight data is captured and displayed on a computer tablet mounted into the headrest of the seat in front of the student. This will show information such as aircraft speed, engine performance, angle of attack and angle of sideslip. All of this information is used to analyse the aircraft performance and can validate the students’ theoretical studies.
Flying into the future
The latest addition to the NFLC fleet at the University was transferred to SWAG合集’s ownership 12 months ago. Following a two-year campaign, thanks to the generous donations from our alumni, friends and corporate partners, we’ve been able to achieve over two-thirds of our fundraising target of £3 million required to purchase and modify the aircraft. For this, we are grateful.
However, we still need the support of alumni and friends to achieve the remainder of our target so that we can complete the modifications. Together we can…
- Help prepare the next generation of aero-engineers and aviation leaders to lead in an increasingly complex world.
- Tackle challenges such as aircraft emissions and net zero targets.
- Attract new talent and increase diversity in the aviation industry.
In the next few months, we aim to complete the remaining modifications required to ensure the aircraft is upgraded from a standard commercial plane, to a fully bespoke facility with all the technical equipment necessary to lead the way as the aviation industry flies into the future. . Once these modifications are complete, the Saab 340b will replace the existing Jetstream 31 aircraft, and take to the skies with its first cohort of students.
With your support, the new generation of aviation leaders and aero-engineers can continue to benefit from a unique education, make new memories, and above all - help continue the shaping the future of aviation. For alumni and friends who’d like to support the campaign, there is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sponsor a part of this unique aircraft. Alternatively, you may wish to pledge a regular gift. However you choose to support us, your generous contribution will enable Cranfield to harness the full power of our research and nurture our students, to make the world a better place.
Join us today to help create the aerospace leaders of tomorrow.
Support the NFLC
To sponsor a part of the new aircraft, visit our website to browse parts ranging from £25 to £1,500. Once you’ve made your selection, you can complete your sponsorship on our secure online platform.
Alternatively, you can or download, print and mail a Gift Form.
You can also make a regular donation to help us maintain and develop the lab for years to come. Find out more about other ways you can support.
