NATS - National Aerospace Technology Strategy > ATVPs and AINs > ElectroMagnetic Systems Engineering AIN
print friendly pageElectroMagnetic Systems Engineering AIN
The ElectroMagnetic Systems Engineering (EMSE) AIN reflects the importance of electromagnetic technology in many aspects of the performance of air vehicles and their support systems. The general challenges associated with describing the electromagnetic performance of air vehicles are characterised by their complexity, the range and multi-scale nature of electromagnetic (RF, radio frequency) interactions, and the use of novel materials. The scope of the EMSE AIN is fundamentally to enable the development of an internationally competitive electromagnetic design, evaluation and manufacturing capability to:
- Improve RF component and system design
- Reduce product development and test costs
- Underpin innovative concept investigation
The emphasis of the EMSE AIN is in establishing underpinning capability for electromagnetic engineering and in this respect has established cross-links and contributed to proposals in ATVP areas, in particular, Advanced Electrical Power Systems and the More Electric Aircraft.
Research Themes
The EMSE AIN is developing as a cluster of linked proposals under a number of Theme areas. The research themes presently identified are:
- Lightning, EMP Threats & Protection (direct & indirect effects)
- Antennas, Sensors & Installed Performance
- EMC & Systems Susceptibility
- Signature Management
- EM Measurement & Accreditation
- RADHAZ & Biological Effects
- EM Design Tools
The industrial contributors to the development of the AIN Themes are presently: BAE Systems, Airbus, Chelton Group, MBDA (UK), Rolls Royce, Smiths Aerospace, and Thales (UK).
Benefits
The industrial drivers for the research are shared across industrial partners, e.g. Safety and system robustness to RF fields is a common requirement to Civil aircraft, Military aircraft, Missiles, Engine control and management systems. Also common to all the aerospace businesses is the need for improved technologies to meet new and developing requirements and regulations, and the need for cost and time reductions in the design and test requirements for new and future products.
The research programmes require a clustered approach comprising Industry and University partners working to a common technological goal. It is anticipated that other companies in the supply chain, including SMEs, and Universities will have a significant contribution.
A networked approach to funding the research programmes will be sought involving DTI (Industrialisation and product focus), RDA (fostering high-value regional wealth and job creation), MoD (specific military requirements) and EPSRC (University partners). SMEs will also be engaged via their trade associations. Joint grant schemes with MoD/Dstl and the EU FP6/FP7 programmes will be used as appropriate.
Status
The Programme Definition Document, which captures the technological objectives of the overall AIN and reflects the different maturity levels of the Themes, is presently under development.