World-leading aerospace expertise showcased at Farnborough International Airshow

The University of Southampton will showcase its world-leading aerospace research and expertise at Farnborough International Airshow (FI16) next week (Monday 11 to Sunday 17 July).

Based in the Innovation Zone (Hall 3, Stand 21), the University will focus on three main themes: autonomy, sensors and cyber security. It will promote its strategic research groups for Autonomous Systems and MENSUS (Monitoring of Engineered and Natural Systems Using Sensors) and cyber and security capabilities, including the recently established Cyber Security Academy. Other technology being demonstrated throughout the week includes optical sensors for fuel level monitoring, structural sensing kit to detect and analyse movement (in wings, for example) and remote sensing/diagnostic experiments with Boeing.

A new and exciting initiative this year is the University’s inclusion in the Farnborough flying displays where a Southampton Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) will beam live photography onto TV screens across the exhibition halls.

Chris Lord, from Research & Innovation Services at the University of Southampton, said: “Aerospace is a hugely important area for Southampton and we plan to showcase our extensive research at this important event. The Airshow provides considerable opportunities to strengthen our industry relationships and present our expertise to the thousands of attendees.”

One of the key activities for the University, is the opportunity to take part in Futures Day (Friday 15 July), when the event opens its doors to over 6,500 younger people. The day allows them to see the career opportunities available in the Aerospace and Defence sectors, and participate in a variety of expert talks, educational activities, competitions and group work, all designed to raise awareness of related industries and careers.

The Southampton exhibition will highlight its aerospace courses available for study and allow students to experience some of its exciting areas of research and to take part in a hands-on activity on how safety systems work in planes. A new Aerospace Electronic Engineering degree course has been launched and Farnborough will provide considerable exposure to this new course, both for industry and students.