Our Advisory Groups

The Aerostructures of the Future Specialist Advisory Group provides an insight to the ATI from industry, RTOs, academia and Government to develop and deliver the ATI technology strategy across our 3 strategic horizons – secure exploit and position. The topics discussed include new architectures, tools and methods and key technologies. The themes include new architectures such as topological design of primary structures with advanced materials and processes, optimisation of conventional aerodynamic structures through span extension, laminar flow, drag elimination devices, flow control and load alleviation; High value manufacturing and materials processes that enable a highly efficient, reconfigurable, and rate flexible future factory solutions; Advanced multi physics and multi fidelity structural validation and testing that generates product and process verification in a virtual and/ or physical environment, delivering significantly compressed timescales compared to conventional techniques.

The role of this group is to consider the design, certification and operational technology and capability requirements of the complete air vehicle to support the UK commercial aerospace sector from both fixed wing and rotary wing perspectives. UK has a wealth of capability, knowledge and experience at whole aircraft level and this group provides a focus for these, for the broader benefit of the UK sector. This is done through delivery of the Aircraft of the Future elements of the ATI strategy “Raising Ambition” and include such diverse topics as modelling from conceptual to detailed multi physics, human factors, infrastructure and air vehicle architectures. The group is also helping inform the requirements for longer term technology development within the other Specialist Advisory Groups looking at Propulsion, Structures and Systems

The Propulsion of the Future Specialist Advisory Group provides insight to the ATI from industry, RTOs, academia and Government to develop and deliver the ATI technology strategy across our 3 strategic horizons – secure exploit and position. The topics discussed include new architectures, tools and methods and key technologies. The topics include new architectures such as ultra-high bypass ratio turbofans and hybrid turbo electric and distributed propulsion; enabling technologies such as high value manufacturing and virtual modelling and validation; and key product technologies such as lightweight composite fan and rotor/propeller systems, advanced thermal management systems, and high temperature turbines.

The Smart, Connected and More Electric Aircraft Specialist Advisory Group provides insight to the ATI from industry, RTOs, academia and Government to develop and deliver the ATI technology strategy across our 3 strategic horizons – secure exploit and position. The topics discussed include new architectures, tools and methods and key technologies. The topics include new architectures such as advanced electrical power systems, autonomous air vehicle systems and integrated communications; enabling technologies such as complex systems multi-dimensional optimisation and virtual modelling and validation; and key product technologies such as lightweight landing gear systems, advanced electrical machines and power electronics systems, and high-performance energy storage and recovery.

In addition to the Aerospace Technology Institute’s Technology Advisory Group (TAG), a Market and Economic Advisory Group (MEAG) has been established. This group convenes to consider the market forces and opportunities driving the need for new aerospace technologies and business models, and where and how the sector generates economic value. The group has an important role in helping to keep UK aerospace at the forefront of innovation and global supply.

The core focus of the MEAG includes the following topics:
• Strategic themes impacting aerospace – global mega-trends shaping the future of travel; emerging and creative business models changing the commercial landscape of aviation and aerospace
• Aviation-specific market drivers and opportunities – industrial, market, regulatory and competitive trends within aircraft markets; aircraft platform performance and competition in the market place; future aircraft programme scenarios; opportunities and requirements
• Industrial dynamics, supply chain and associated economics – factors that attract industry to the UK and drive retention; supply chain structure; routes to market; capability gaps; and future threats driving need for change
• Aerospace innovation ecosystem – factors driving innovation at the national and sector level; innovation lessons across sectors; impact of innovation and its role in driving UK aerospace prosperity
• Economics of innovation – factors driving economic impact of aerospace research and technology (R&T) and its evidence; valuing and measuring economic value of R&T; conditions that increase value from research and infrastructure projects