Swindon-based electronics firm TE Connectivity has received Government funding for a £1.9m a pioneering project to help design the aircraft of the future.
The firm, based at Dorcan, is assessing how flexible and lightweight printed circuits can replace traditional wiring in aeroplanes, so reducing fuel consumption and lowering emissions. 
Compact Flexible Printed Circuits (FPC) and high electrical-connection density can achieve considerable weight, space and cost savings over the use of traditional rigid printed circuit boards, wire and wire harnesses used in aircraft.
The technology can reduce the total costs of electrical interconnections by up to 70% and reduce cable and wiring use by up to 75%
FPCs have already replaced hand-built wire harnesses in many applications and their use in the aerospace industry could help reduce aircraft weight – a key factor for aeroplane manufacturers.
Formerly called Tyco Electronics, the US-owned firm is among a number taking part in a £47m joint Government and industry funding competition called Building the UK’s Leadership in Aerospace Technology.
It is receiving just under £1m towards the project. The contest seeks to further strengthen the UK’s world-leading position in the aerospace sector by awarding investment to innovative projects in line with the Aerospace Technology Institute’s (ATI) technology strategy.
It is being shaped by the ATI and delivered by Swindon-based Innovate UK, the country’s innovation agency.
The projects to be funded were announced by business minister Anna Soubry in London last week.
The successful proposals involve 100 different organisations including 55 small and medium-sized businesses and 11 universities. Among businesses receiving funding are industry giants such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems.
Anna Soubry said: “Backed by almost £50m from Government and industry, these truly innovative projects will help maintain our position as a world leader in aerospace.
“We will continue to work closely with industry, to increase productivity and growth, raise skill levels and keep us ahead of our international competitors.”
Aerospace Technology Institute CEO Gary Elliott added: “We are very pleased to see so many supply chain organisations involved in this competition. It demonstrates the richness and innovative nature of the UK’s aerospace capability. Engagement with the UK supply chain will be essential for improving our international competitiveness.”
Other winners include a project to develop a new generation of self-healing alloys with the ability to remove micro-cracks in aircraft without human interaction.
In August Innovate UK urged more Swindon firms to take advantage of huge opportunities for funding and support on their doorstep.
