Agreement Provides Boost To UK's Aerospace Sector

Boeing is making a major boost to the UK's aerospace sector having signed an agreement with QinetiQ, for testing new and derivative aircraft in the company's 5-meter wind tunnel based in Farnborough (UK)

The 5-meter wind tunnel represents a significant national capability which, over the past quarter century, has made a significant contribution to the development of many aircraft currently flying today. Boeing has for some time been the primary user of the facility and to date a number of Boeing programs, including the 777 family, the Next Generation 737 family and the 767-400ER, have benefited from the use of the facility to design high lift systems for improved takeoff and landing performance.

The wind tunnel will remain under the ownership of QinetiQ and be available for third party use. The agreement is nominally for 10 years and Boeing retains an option to continue the relationship for a total of up to 40 years.

Sir Michael Jenkins, president of Boeing UK commented: "Boeing continues to make a major contribution to the UK's aerospace sector and today's announcement will secure the availability of a long standing national facility. Testing high lift designs during the development process will continue to be a requirement for new and derivative airplane programs for the foreseeable future."

Sir John Chisholm, CEO of QinetiQ remarked: "The wind tunnel is a very important facility. Coupled with QinetiQ's internationally respected workforce, it has underpinned key developments in aircraft design over the past 25 years. Now, at a time of significant change and unprecedented demand for growth in air travel, Boeing and QinetiQ are set to further develop the capability during the next exciting phase of aviation history."

FMI: www.qinetiq.com