Qinetiq expects to play a key role in the development of the Boeing 7E7, using its expertise in windtunnel testing and materials research.
"Most of Boeing's commercial aircraft design work has used our 5m (16ft 7in) windtunnel at Farnborough, and we envisage a lot of the 7E7 work will be done there," says Michael Burns, head of the aviation channel at the recently privatised UK research company. "We are negotiating a long-term deal on the use of the windtunnel we expect news on that in the next couple of months."
Qinetiqis also researching lightweight metal matrix composite materials for aerostructure applications, and although it has yet to sign any contracts licensing the technology to manufacturers, Burns says that the company is "already discussing this with Boeing for the 7E7 and other projects, and we expect some deals in the next four months".
However, Burns points out that the first licensing deals are likely to be with other manufacturers.
Source: Flight International
