Initiated in 2007, the A*STAR Aerospace Programme fosters synergies between industry and research institutes, maximising research outcomes for participating members.
Singapore is the largest Manufacturing, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) hub for the aerospace industry in Asia Pacific, holding a quarter of the region’s market share for MRO activities. As strategic technology partners within the A*STAR AP, aircraft manufacturers, engine and component OEM’s and system providers can tap into the pool of scientific know-how, infrastructure and joint investments in R&D to optimise business opportunities and reduce investment costs.
To date, the consortium has commissioned 37 projects, driving next-generation technologies ranging from MRO innovations for faster turnaround times to alternative green energy sources that lower carbon footprint. With Hexcel coming, A*STAR's membership currently stands at 18 companies, including Boeing, EADS, General Electric, Pratt & Whitney and Rolls Royce.
“Joining the A*STAR Aerospace programme will provide Hexcel with additional R&T resources in Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region to complement our own world class composites research facilities in Europe and the USA," says Paul Mackenzie, Hexcel’s VP Research & Technology. "We share the opinion of other A*STAR members that technological advances through R&D hold the key to redefining air travel and creating the aerospace industry of the future.”
"Each of the AP members enhances the value of the programme and Hexcel’s expertise in the area of composite materials will further increase our spectrum of capabilities in advanced materials, manufacturing processes, inspection and non-destructive testing as well as computation modelling and simulation,” adds Mr Tay Kok Khiang, A*STAR Aerospace Programme’s chairman.
