Aerospace global profile

Aeroplace

At the forefront of aerospace technology for over 60 years, Cranfield takes a practical and holistic approach right across the business of flying.

Cranfield’s clients value our multidisciplinary approach. We bring together aeronautical engineering, materials and manufacturing with expertise in aviation business processes and practices.  We  play a big part in the aerospace business sector with close commercial partnerships with Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing and Rolls-Royce, to name just a few.  We have worked with Boeing, for instance, to develop a Cabin Simulator at the University, a unique facility which focuses on factors that influence human survival in aircraft accidents.

Cranfield has also partnered with key aerospace players including BAE Systems in a £32 million national programme called ASTRAEA to develop technology and regulations to bring uninhabited air vehicles into routine, non-segregated operation in UK airspace.

We are playing a leading role in the Darwin Mission. This European Space Agency-funded mission is due to launch in 2015 and will look for earth-like planets in our galaxy. It will feature significant work by the University.

Cranfield has a decade long relationship with Rolls-Royce through the University Technology Centre (UTC) in performance engineering. In addition it has been awarded the platform grant 'Future propulsion systems thermodynamic performance' by the EPSRC.

Our varied aerospace and aviation activities are underpinned by all the advanced facilities, tools and expertise you would expect to find,including capabilities unique to Cranfield – from flying laboratories and flight deck simulators to industrial-scale gas turbine engine test facilities used for performance and diagnostic studies.

Cranfield's successes in the aerospace sector depend on impressive resources, a deep expertise in the field and a strategic business approach.  Students graduating in aerospace are part of an elite international network of alumni.