Wing and transplant tech make RAEng award shortlist

Spanning applications ranging from aircraft design to organ transplantation this year’s finalists are an inspiring reminder of the diverse range of disciplines in which engineers operate.

Amongst the finalists, Bombardier has been nominated for its development of the resin-infused composite aircraft wing which currently flies on the Airbus A220, minimising the aircraft’s environmental impact by reducing both weight and fuel burn in flight, and waste during manufacture.

This is the only certified commercial aircraft wing designed and produced with resin transfer infusion (RTI) rather than pre-impregnated carbon fibre used on other aircraft programmes. RTI allows for the manufacture of large, one-piece complex structures, reducing the requirement for many different parts and mechanical fasteners, resulting in significant material saving.

Commenting on this innovation, MacRobert Award judge, and former Rolls-Royce technology chief Professor Ric Parker said: “The Belfast-developed resin-infused composite wing epitomises the best in UK mechanical engineering…it is a key enabling technology for the Airbus A220 (previously Bombardier C Series), creating a unique combination of range, fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness for an aircraft in this size range, and justifying its huge forward order book.”