Engineers model rescue digger on mole - 19-09-2007 - 16:02

British engineers developing a new emergency digging device are modelling it on the common mole.

The robotic burrowing system could one day be used to rescue people trapped beneath rubble after earthquakes or in collapsed tunnels, reports the New Scientist magazine.

Speaking of the device co-author of the report Robert Richardson told the Magazine: "What you find [in a collapsed building] is that there is lots of debris that you can move, like ceiling tiles, tables, and chairs."

He added: "Everything that's in the building falls over and most buildings tend to partially collapse. If you can't interact with debris, you drive up and get stuck."

Robin Scott and Robert Richardson of the Artificial Intelligence Group at Manchester's School of Computer Science used the burrowing action of the talpa europea (European mole), with its paddle like paws as inspiration.

The current model of the device features a paddle which pushes dirt from in front of the system to its side, then retracts before popping out at the front again.

While the mole may have been inspiration, the action is reminiscent of the human breaststroke.

The research team told New Scientist that they hope to have a working rescue machine in two years time.

Rolls-Royce unveils new facility - 18-09-2007 - 11:12

Aerospace giant Rolls-Royce has unveiled new £100 million manufacturing facilities at its Derby base.

Margaret Beckett, MP for Derby South was on hand on Monday for the formal opening of two aerospace facilities, including manufacturing centre for aeroplane engine components and one of the world's largest test beds, which were part of the company's investment in operations.

The new 33,000 square metre manufacturing facility will employ around 800 people who will produce 170 different components.

Meanwhile, the company claimed its new test centre, incorporating 11,000 cubic metres of concrete was the most advanced indoor jet centre in the world.

The changes will not only help with productivity but will also help the company meet environmental responsibilities.

Speaking of the efficiency the new plant will give the firm, Mike Lloyd of Rolls-Royce told the BBC: "We make things very accurately now, so some of the benefits ... enable us to be more efficient, more efficient means more environmentally friendly."

Later this month, the company will open a similar facility in Bristol.

Ms Beckett said: "These investments are a very welcome demonstration of the commitment by Rolls-Royce to manufacturing both in Derby and in the UK.

"The test bed investment is another example of the way in which Rolls-Royce continues to rise to the challenge of improving the environmental performance of its products and operations."

UK 'needs astronauts' - 14-09-2007 - 12:17

The UK should put British astronauts into space to inspire science, engineering students and to boost the British engineering and manufacturing industries, according to a panel of experts.

Commissioned by the British National Space Centre, the report says UK astronauts would provide students with motivational figures - a move which could reverse many youngsters' lack of interest in science subjects.

The report added that UK industry would benefit from being involved in space missions.

While the UK joined 14 countries in signing the Global Exploration Strategy, which aims at trips to the moon, it has so far said it will not send people into space - a position which has remained unchanged since the 1960s.

One of the report's authors, Ian Crawford of Birkbeck College, University of London, told the Guardian: "We have got numbers of young people studying science and engineering falling quite alarmingly."

He added: "Something has to be done to try and re-engage young people in the excitement of physics, maths and chemistry."

Rolls-Royce gets £50m contract - 14-09-2007 - 11:18

Rolls-Royce group sealed a deal for a $100 million (£50 million) maintenance contract which could see the company create new jobs at a UK base.

The automotive and aerospace engineering firm won a five year maintenance contract to service Icelandair Group HF's fleet of 21 Boeing 757s.

Maintenance and repair of the RB211-535 engines will be carried out at the company's Aero Repair and Overhaul facility in Derby.

Meanwhile, the Times claimed that the government is urging British Airways to buy Airbus aeroplanes and Rolls-Royce engines when it makes a renewal of its short and long haul fleets.

Between them the companies employ 25,000 workers in their manufacturing operations in the UK.

According to financial data provider Hemscott, BA plans to spend £2 billion on upgrading its short-haul fleet between 2007 and 2009.

While BA told the Times that the government had an interest in the contracts going to companies that provide jobs to UK workers, it denied that it was under pressure.

"We have said we are looking to replace the oldest aircraft in our fleet. We're looking to replace 14 Boeing 767s and 20 747s during the next decade.

"We may be looking to add some additional aircraft to our fleet during that period as well. We're not ruling anything out but there is competition between the two manufacturers," a BA spokesperson told Thomson Financial News.

BAE jobs drive hints at deals - 11-09-2007 - 11:17

An announcement by aerospace engineer and manufacturer BAE systems that it has "hundreds" of new jobs to fill has fuelled speculation that two multi-billion pound deals are to be signed.

The defence contractor has announced it is looking to fill positions at its Warton and Samlesbury bases in Lancashire, with some anticipating lucrative deals with the UK and Saudi Arabian government will follow.

BAE Systems has been in talks with the Saudi Arabian government over a £20 billion deal to supply it with 72 Eurofighter Typhoon jets.

Meanwhile, the company also awaits a decision by the UK government on an order for 88 of the jets, part of a full order of 232.

MP Michael Jack, responsible for the Warton constituency where 6,500 people are employed by the defence giant, said BAE was "sensible" to seek to employ more skilled staff ahead of potential orders.

He told the Lancashire Evening Post: "A sensible employer with a good relationship with its customer would look to get an early steer on the situation.

"For these reasons, and any imminent signing with Saudi Arabia, it seems wise to recruit people you need to be able to meet whatever requirements are placed by business in the offing."

Lancashire engineers to get 'hundreds of aerospace' opportunities - 07-09-2007 - 16:22

Aerospace giant BAE Systems has created 1,000 new engineering jobs in Lancashire, it has announced.

The Lancashire Telegraph said that the company wants to fill a shortage in aerospace engineering.

The company has organised a series of road shows to help with the recruitment drive for the jobs, the majority of which will be at Samlesbury and Warton, in project management, engineering and for the supply of military aircraft solutions.

John Cridland, from the Military Air Solutions recruitment team, said the company was looking for candidates of a high calibre.

"There are some fantastic opportunities for people with the right kinds of skills in the UK aerospace sector at the moment and many people are beginning to recognise this," he said.

Recently the company was granted planning permission for a £100 million aerospace park.

With annual sales of £15 billion, it has major operations in five continents and with customers and partners in more than 100 countries.