Bristol tech firm part of £36m pioneering aviation trial
A Bristol technology company is part of a £36m trial that could cut fuel emissions in aircraft.
Domin is part of the project called Landone which is looking to use technology to make aircraft lighter and more energy efficient.
Minister for Industry and Economic Security Nusrat Ghani announced the funding for the scheme.
The minister said: “We want to achieve net-zero air travel by 2050, and I want UK firms to lead the way developing the exciting technologies of the future. Backing our innovators will attract even more investment and create massive export opportunities for British firms.”
The innovative technology will lead to substantial weight savings and efficiency improvements and is the only viable option for the next generation of flight, for both large and small aircraft across all aviation industries.
Actuation systems are a crucial component of an aircraft’s control system, which enables pilots to manipulate an aircraft’s control surfaces, such as flaps and rudder, during flight.
The current hydraulic system is the primary control system used in an aircraft. However, this system is heavy, complex, and inefficient.
The new system that Domin is developing will enable the replacement of the hydraulic system with an electrical system which will mean a reduction in the weight and complexity of aircraft.
The project, supported by the ATI programme, aims to create an actuation system that is not only lighter and more efficient but also more reliable.
Domin has developed world-class compact electro-hydraulic technology capable of delivering high performance digital motion control with all the benefits of fluid power density, fully self-contained and electrically controlled and powered.
The Landone project will fast-track this proven technology into an aerospace brake-by-wire application.
This will allow the removal of the central hydraulic system connection as well as existing valves and control hardware, all of which are very heavy. This enables the digitisation of systems and the realisation of more electric aircraft.
“Landone marks a significant milestone in the aviation industry, and we are thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking project,” said Simon Jones, chief technology officer at Domin.
“Our highly compact and efficient actuation systems will enable a new era of aircraft design that will revolutionize the aviation industry, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this technology.”
The project is expected to result in significant weight savings and efficiency improvements, making it the only viable option for the next generation of aircraft.
The technology being developed will enable aircraft to fly longer distances, use less fuel, and contribute towards reducing emissions.
The ATI Programme provides funding for research & technology projects that maintain and grow the UK’s competitive position in civil aerospace, and is delivered by a partnership of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), the Department for Business & Trade and Innovate UK. More information can be found at www.ati.org.uk.
