Feb 1 2010
The Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) announced today the successful induction of four new members namely Bombardier, Bodycote, Rösler and a local SME, Addvalue Technologies, into its Aerospace Programme. Including the new members, there are now 18 companies in the consortium, of which seven are local companies. The list of members in A*STAR's Aerospace Programme is at Annex A.
The Aerospace Programme, launched in 2007, is an ongoing and proactive industry engagement effort that enables members to partake in aerospace R&D by leveraging on A*STAR's scientific know-how and resources, and is helmed by industry giants. It employs over 50 full-time equivalent scientists and engineers and has invested a total of S$18M on 16 projects to date.
Said Mr. Lim Chuan Poh, Chairman, A*STAR: “R&D is the cornerstone of innovation and progress, and will play an integral role in the continuing growth of the local aerospace industry. A consortium approach is an effective way to bring together the scientific and business communities to shape R&D agenda for the purpose of translating research into useful applications to achieve economic goals. A*STAR's Aerospace Programme provides such a platform to harness and synergise the strengths of both the public and private sectors to jointly build a long-term technology roadmap and develop new technologies in strategic areas in the aerospace domain. We are pleased to see a good mix of industry giants and local players in the Programme, including SMEs in the MRO and precision engineering sectors. A*STAR will continue to generate high-value R&D to enable local aerospace industry to move towards design and manufacturing activities whilst continuing to build capabilities for excellence in MRO core competencies.”
Comments by new members of A*STAR's Aerospace Programme
Said Dr Fassi Kafyeke, Director Strategic Technology, Bombardier Aerospace, “Bombardier Aerospace has achieved a position of leader in Regional and Business aviation through sustained technology development and product innovation. Our technology program is aimed at developing aircraft that are more comfortable, less expensive to own and operate, and more respectful of the environment. To achieve these objectives, we rely on an extensive network of national and international collaborations. Our participation in the Singapore Aerospace Programme is a further step in this direction. We are looking forward to a successful collaboration with the vibrant and highly skilled research community in Singapore and with all our partners in the consortium."
Said Ms Tracy Glende, President, Bodycote, ”As the only global provider of thermal processing and surface technology services, Bodycote is committed to extending our portfolio and locations to service the Aerospace Industry throughout Asia. As a part of that strategy, we will be making significant investments in Asia over the coming years including additional Nadcap facilities to better service our global aerospace customers. To further support this effort, Bodycote is honored to join the Aerospace Programme and we look forward to working with SERC and the key R&D team from A*STAR to develop key solutions that solve critical problems facing the aerospace industry.”
Commented Mr Paul Rawlinson, Business Development Manager, Rösler Aerospace International, “We are impressed with the scientific research capabilities so much so that we have decided to join the A*STAR consortium. We are excited about the prospect of researching new surface finishing processes with our new partners in Singapore, and we are confident that the collaboration will contribute to our continued success in aerospace industry in SE Asia.”
"As a key partner to the many major players in the satellite communications industry, Addvalue is indeed honoured to be a part of the consortium", commented Dr Colin Chan, Chief Executive Officer of Addvalue Technologies Ltd. “Through collaborating with other members and by tapping the rich R&D resources facilitated by A*STAR, we hope to proactively and directly contribute to the aerospace industry with innovative satellite communication solutions”, added Dr Chan.
Eighteen A*STAR Technologies Showcased at Singapore Airshow 2010
A*STAR will also be staging a presence at the Singapore Airshow 2010 with a showcase of 18 technologies developed by A*STAR's science and engineering research institutes. They will be exhibited at the Changi Exhibition Centre Booth C35 from 2-7 February 2010.
These technologies, which include green technologies, provide a suite of advanced solutions for the aerospace industry - from an aircraft's nose to its tail. The technologies are categorised into four key areas, namely: Infotainment on-the-fly, Energy Efficient Future, Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) Innovations and Virtual Design-and-Build. The list of technologies showcased is at Annex B.
A highlight of technologies featured at A*STAR's booth is the Advanced Structures for Durable Aircrafts. This technology combines the best features of carbon fibre reinforced polymer nanocomposites and Fibre Bragg Grating sensors to pair aircraft materials of superior strength at low weight with the ability to accurately monitor structural integrity while in use. Developed by A*STAR's Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE) and the Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R), such smart structures not only reduces energy consumption for aircrafts by 30% due to its high-strength, light-weight character, they also help to save related MRO costs by enabling the identification of early-stage structural damage before occurrence. The technology is exhibited in the form of an interactive seat at the A*STAR booth, demonstrating at the macro-scale its ability to sense and detect surface anomalies.
Other notable technologies are Darknight, Advanced Data Storage and Video Analytics for Enhanced Security; and D-SIMLAB Technologies, Simulation-based Solutions for Global Management of Spare Parts. More information on the technologies is at Annex C.
A*STAR's Aerospace Technology Leadership Forum
A*STAR has also organized an Aerospace Technology Leadership Forum in conjunction with Singapore Airshow for the first time this year. The Forum entitled "The Next Decade Technology Strategies for the Aerospace Industry and their Impact" held 1 February 2010 at Raffles City Convention & Exhibition Centre has brought together thought leaders from the industry giants such as Boeing, Bombardier, EADS, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce and Singapore Airlines to discuss and exchange views on the latest technologies and industry trends. The speakers will also share views on how corporate and public R&D will shape the future of the industry. Information on the forum is at Annex D.