Additive manufactured UAV takes flight


The world’s first ‘3D-printed’ aircraft has successfully taken flight at the University of Southampton. Developed by Professors Keane and Scanlan, the Southampton University Laser Sintered Aircraft (SULSA) took advantage of the benefits offered by plastic additive manufacturing and was designed and produced in partnership with 3T RPD using its nylon selective laser sintering (SLS) technology. The plane was built in four parts – the main fuselage and


rudder fins, the nose cone and two outer wings – which all simply clipped together to form a UAV with a 2m wingspan. The aircraft was flown by a miniature autopilot developed by Dr Matt Bennett, one of the members of the SULSA team. The Solidworks design drawings created by the SULSA team


were passed to 3T’s team of CAD engineers who incorporated the snap fittings required to hold the four nylon parts together to form the overall aircraft. Jim Scanlan, Professor of Aerospace Design at University of


UK aerospace businesses


seek Russian deals A|D|S says it has extended an invitation to Russian aerospace companies to attend the 2012 Farnborough International Airshow following a week of meetings to develop business relationships further at the MAKS 2011 Airshow on the outskirts of Moscow. Several UK companies such


as Rolls-Royce and Larchfield, along with multinationals with


a strong UK presence such as EADS/Airbus, Bombardier and Finmeccanica attended MAKS 2011. A|D|S works in close cooperation with Russian trade bodies UAI and ASSAD. “The Russian market has excellent long-term opportunities


for international companies and we are pleased that a number of businesses with a major UK presence attended MAKS 2011,” stated Ian Godden, chairman of A|D|S and Farnborough International Limited, who attended the show. “Furthermore, A|D|S played a full part in the event on behalf of the industry


to promote mutual trade.” www.adsgroup.org.uk


Southampton, said: “The entire structure of the aircraft has been printed including wings, integral control surfaces and access hatches. Thanks to 3T’s CAD engineers, no fasteners were used and all equipment was attached using ‘snap fit’ techniques such that the entire aircraft can be put together without tools in minutes.” www.3trpd.co.uk


Helitech forms steering committee


Helitech has formed its first Steering Committee to help ensure that the event continues to reflect the needs and aspirations of the rotary wing industry in future years. With the event celebrating its 25th


year of supporting the rotary wing arena this year, the aim is to continue to shape Helitech to meet the requirements of all parts of the helicopter supply chain during the next quarter of a century. The Steering Committee will be chaired by Helitech’s exhibition manager, Brandon Ward, with Peter Norton, CEO of the British Helicopter Association (BHA) as the co-chair. Its inaugural meeting will be held on 26 September, the day


before Helitech 2011 opens its doors. “Several of Reed Exhibition’s events already have Steering Committees; these bring great benefits to the exhibitions they advise on,” stated Ward. “Although we seek regular exhibitor and visitor feedback regarding Helitech, having a Steering Committee means we can track industry trends and opinions far more closely during the


entire show cycle.” www.helitechevents.com/committee


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