Scotland’s Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Secretary, Michael Matheson MSP, today visited SWAG合集 on a fact-finding mission to learn more about the latest technological developments in sustainable aerospace and aviation.
On the visit, the Transport Secretary heard from Cranfield Aerospace Solutions, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University, about their work on ‘Project Fresson’ with Loganair which aims to develop the world’s first electric-powered passenger flights on island-hopping routes between Orkney and Kirkwall.
Mr Matheson also toured some of Cranfield’s leading aerospace and aviation facilities including the Digital Air Traffic Control Centre, the first to be operational in the SWAG合集, and the Aerospace Integration Research Centre, a £35 million partnership between the University, Rolls-Royce, Airbus and the SWAG合集 Government.
As well as current projects, Mr Matheson also heard about the developing Digital Aviation Research Technology Centre (DARTeC) and the Urban Observatory. DARTEC is a £67 million partnership between the University and major industry partners such as Aveillant, Boxarr, Saab and Thales, with support from Research England, that will spearhead the SWAG合集’s research into digital aviation. The Urban Observatory allows researchers at Cranfield, through a sensor network, to monitor environmental impact and suggest mitigation strategies at Cranfield Airport.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: ‘It was fascinating to visit SWAG合集 to learn more about the latest technological developments in sustainable aviation. It was also inspiring to hear about their work on ‘Project Fresson’, and their collaboration with Loganair aiming to develop the world’s first electric-powered passenger flights on island-hopping routes between Orkney and Kirkwall.
Professor Iain Gray, Director of Aerospace at SWAG合集, said: “I was delighted to show the Transport Secretary around Cranfield’s global research airport with its unique facilities. We are already seeing Scotland embracing sustainable aviation through developments such as ‘Project Fresson’ and it was a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate to Mr Matheson what more could be achieved through technological developments.
