The Research & Development programme will be delivered by Technology Strategy Board that supports UK business in development of innovative technology and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). (Photos courtesy: Stratophase)

The  Strategic Affordable Manufacturing in the UK  Leading Environmental Technology (SAMULET) is a collaborative programme between industry and academia led by Rolls-Royce working in a consortium alongside other high profile manufacturers, small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and several of the UK’s top universities.

The consortium partners are: BAE Systems, GKN, Tacit Connexions, Granta, and BERU F1.  The companies intend to use research facilities at the Rolls Royce University Technology Centres at Birmingham, Cambridge, Cranfield, Loughborough, Nottingham, Oxford and Southampton and the “AxRC’s” at Sheffield, Strathclyde and Coventry (Ansty).

The Technology Strategy Board is investing £28.5m in the programme and the EPSRC, £11.5m. Further support is under discussion with regional bodies. Total cost of the project including industry investment is expected to be around £90m.

SAMULET will focus on productivity and environmental improvements including reductions in raw material usage, efficient advanced manufacturing processes and lower engine fuel consumption.  The programme aims will be achieved by developing new technologies and delivering a number of knowledge transfer initiatives, it will be closely linked with the advanced manufacturing research centres (in Sheffield, Glasgow, and Ansty near Coventry) so strengthening the position of UK aerospace manufacturing and its supply chain.

The announcement comes in conjunction with news about Advanced Manufacturing from the Department of Business Innovation and Skills (BIS) Advanced Manufacturing – Building Britain’s Future

CEO of the Technology Strategy Board, (right) Iain Gray said: “SAMULET aims to ensure that the UK aero-engine industry remains competitive in the face of new 2020 emissions targets for aircraft and that it is in a position to manufacture engines for the next generation of civil aircraft.

“We supported this intervention because we felt that it was essential that new technology advances rapidly enough in the industry to ensure that the UK retains a competitive advantage in this field. Through the supply chain and academic partners, SAMULET also offers exciting opportunities to promote UK high value manufacture more generally.”

CEO of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, Dave Delpy (left) said: “The application of science and engineering research is vital to help overcome the threat of climate change and sustainable living. This important partnership brings together key stakeholders and provides a strategic focus in the search for new technologies to provide an effective response to emissions targets and maximise energy efficiency.”