Syd Carson is technical director of aerospace and defence at Manchester, UK-based engineering consultancy Morson Projects, responsible for project management and new business development

What does Morson Projects do and what part does aerospace and defence play?

Morson Projects provides world-class, multi-disciplined project management, engineering, design, manufacture, installation and commissioning to clients.

Operating in two core sectors - nuclear/power and aerospace/defence - engineering services range from concept design to complete engineering design and analysis solutions through to total project management. Accounting for some 60% of all business, the aero­space and defence division specialises in aerostructures and aerospace systems capabilities.

Syd Carson 
 © Morson Projects
Carson: combining work with his passion at Morson Projects

What is a typical day for you?

Not many days are typical. However, I do have two main areas of responsibility - new business development and project management at a client interfacing level.

I feel it is important to have regular reviews with customers at every stage of a project to receive their feedback and understand any issues they have. A lot of time is spent meeting customers and as several are in Europe and North America, I travel a lot.

How did you get interested and start in aviation?

I lived close to an aircraft testing facility when I was growing up and have always loved aircraft since then, with engines being a particular passion. After graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering from Queens University, Belfast and gaining my chartered mechanical engineer status, I started work with Rolls-Royce before moving to the small engine division of Pratt & Whitney in Montreal. I then joined European Gas Turbines as head of design, after which I joined BAE Systems as head of design for military aircraft. When I left BAE, I was recruited as technical director for Aircelle in the UK.

What are your views on successful design?

I have always been very passionate about the need to involve all disciplines, as well as the customer and end users, in the design process. Great product design is only achieved as a result of a truly integrated approach involving the entire supply chain at every stage.

Why move to Morson Projects?

I had worked with Morson Projects before and had always been impressed by the diversity of its design projects, the very high calibre of the engineers and its focus on technical excellence.

What are the most significant developments in aerospace technology you have seen?

One of the most challenging developments is the pressure to design and manufacture "green" aircraft requiring more fuel-efficient, lower-emission engines and more aerodynamic/lightweight airframes, using advanced materials such as carbon composite. It is fantastic to be working on composite design projects for several aircraft manufacturers.

In your career so far, what are you most proud of?

I was involved with the design and development of the Rolls-Royce RB211-535E4 engine as a lead designer on the wide chord fan blade. For a long time this was the most reliable engine in the world. At Aircelle, we had issues with the reliability of an in-service thrust reverser and I believe I contributed significantly to resolving the problems.

What do you like most about your job?

I am lucky to combine my work with my passion. This job allows me to be involved with design for a wide variety of aircraft for many different customers. I still find pleasure in seeing products manufactured from designs I was involved with.

Source: Flight International