Aerospace Research

Advancing aerospace innovation through engineering research, industrial collaboration and next-generation technologies at the University of Lancashire.

Research Overview

Aerospace research at the University of Lancashire focuses on technologies that support the future of aviation, aerospace manufacturing and advanced engineering. Researchers work across disciplines including aerodynamics, advanced materials, manufacturing systems, simulation, intelligent machines and unmanned aerial systems.

Research activity is supported by the University's Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC), a £35 million facility designed to bring together world-leading research, industry collaboration and engineering education.

The LinkedIn Group Aerospace Engineering Innovation has been created to connect the people interested in the aerospace field. You can also link to the LinkedIn profile Aerospace Engineer.

Research Themes

Aerodynamics and Flight Systems

Computational modelling, aircraft performance analysis, flight dynamics and future aviation technologies.

Advanced Materials

Research into lightweight structures, composites, graphene-enhanced materials and aerospace applications.

Advanced Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing, digital engineering and intelligent production systems for aerospace industries.

Autonomous and Unmanned Systems

Development of UAV technologies, autonomous systems and emerging aerospace applications.

Engineering Innovation Centre (EIC)

The Engineering Innovation Centre provides specialist aerospace, composites and manufacturing laboratories, flight simulation facilities, additive manufacturing laboratories and collaborative research spaces. The facility was established to strengthen Lancashire's position as a national centre of excellence for aerospace, advanced engineering and manufacturing.

Research Facilities

These facilities support collaborative research projects with industrial partners and provide opportunities for postgraduate researchers to engage with real-world engineering challenges.

Industry Collaboration

The University works closely with businesses across Lancashire's internationally recognised aerospace and advanced manufacturing sector. Research collaborations support innovation in aircraft systems, advanced materials, manufacturing technologies and future aerospace applications.

Lancashire's aerospace cluster, including activity at Samlesbury, Warton and the wider aerospace supply chain, provides a unique environment for collaborative engineering research and knowledge transfer.

Researchers engage with businesses through collaborative projects, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs), doctoral research, innovation programmes and specialist consultancy.

Postgraduate Research Opportunities

Research students can pursue MSc by Research and PhD programmes in aerospace and related engineering disciplines. Opportunities exist in areas including:

Students benefit from access to modern facilities, industrial partnerships and interdisciplinary supervision.