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The CSIR and Airbus, the world's leading commercial aircraft manufacturer, have agreed to expand their aeronautics research and technology development partnership.
This commitment was formalised in a new framework agreement signed by Airbus and CSIR officials in Pretoria last week. It paves the way for additional studies into new technologies for future commercial aircraft.
"South Africa has been and remains an important and valuable research and industrial partner for Airbus in its quest to develop the world's most eco-efficient aircraft. This new framework agreement with the CSIR allows us to build on the solid foundation laid by Airbus and its South African research partners, with whom we have been collaborating since 2006," explained Axel Krein, Airbus Senior Vice President Research & Technology.
"Our research and technology programme supports Airbus' continual drive to ensure that air travel continues to be one of the safest and most eco-efficient means of transportation," he added.
The new agreement establishes processes and contracting mechanisms that enable the rapid identification and implementation of new collaborative projects. It will also enable the extension of ongoing joint projects, starting with the CSIR's innovative work on the development and application of new computational fluid dynamics methods for engineering design.
CSIR's Group Executive for Research and Development, Dr Thulani Dlamini, said: "This new agreement with Airbus is the logical next step in the evolution of our partnership and will allow future projects to take place more easily. This initiative supports our government's strategy to develop key competencies within South Africa. This will enhance the competitiveness of our aerospace sector as a research and industrial partner to multi-national manufacturers."
Last year, Airbus and the CSIR launched a joint study into the development and application of natural and recyclable fibre-based materials, including kenaf, hemp and flax-based blends, in the fabrication of aircraft interior components such as sidewall and ceiling panels, insulation blankets and other less load-bearing parts.
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