Aircraft

The UK's AgustaWestland-led three-year £8.8 million ($16.8 million) Rotor Embedded Actuator Control Technology (React) programme has been announced.

React aims to develop active surfaces for rotor blades to improve their aerodynamics and noise levels. Active hydraulic systems for rotor control will also be a focus. Full-scale prototypes will go through laboratory-based validation and the project will develop manufacturing methods for the technology.

"This project takes a strong understanding of the factors affecting the performance of rotor blades and combines it with the latest manufacturing methods," says the UK government's Technology Strategy Board's innovation programmes director, David Bott. Half of the programme's £8.8 million is being paid by the board, which exists to promote and support technology research that benefits UK business.

AgustaWestland is leading a team that includes UK universities and some of its supplier companies. It says that React does not replace the UK's British Experimental Rotor Programme (BERP), of which there have been four. While AgustaWestland does not expect a BERP V, the company is internally funding follow-on work to BERP IV.