UCLan launches world-first graphene aircraft skin

By Lancashire Business View

01 Aug 2018

uclan-juno-graphene-team-1000x501.jpg
The University of Central Lancashire has unveiled the world’s first graphene-skinned plane, saving weight and protecting against lightning strikes.

The craft, which was unveiled at Farnborough Air Show 2018, is an industry first by UCLan. It builds upon previous achievements including the world’s first flight of a graphene skinned wing and the launch of a specially designed graphene-enhanced capsule into near space using high altitude balloons.

UCLan's aerospace engineering team worked in partnership with the Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, the University of Manchester’s National Graphene Institute, Haydale Graphene Industries and a range of other businesses to develop the unmanned aerial vehicle, which also includes graphene batteries and 3D printed parts.

Billy Beggs, UCLan’s engineering innovation manager, said: “The industry reaction to Juno at Farnborough was superb with many positive comments about the work we’re doing. Having Juno at one the world’s biggest air shows demonstrates the great strides we’re making in leading a programme to accelerate the uptake of graphene and other nano-materials into industry.

“The programme supports the objectives of the UK Industrial Strategy and the university’s Engineering Innovation Centre to increase industry relevant research and applications linked to key local specialisms. Given that Lancashire represents the fourth largest aerospace cluster in the world, there is perhaps no better place to be developing next generation technologies for the UK aerospace industry.” David Bailey, chief executive of the North West Aerospace Alliance, added: “The North West aerospace cluster contributes over £7bn to the UK economy, accounting for one quarter of the UK aerospace turnover. It is essential that the sector continues to develop next generation technologies so that it can help the UK retain its competitive advantage."

Latest news

1

Blackburn College lights up CyberFest with a focus on next-generation cybersecurity Umayr Mir talks a visitor through The BLIS Suite

Blackburn College lights up CyberFest with a focus on next-generation cybersecurity

17 Feb 2025

2

Delivering the Wright kind of care Eric Wright care

Delivering the Wright kind of care

17 Feb 2025

3

Historic hotel to get ‘significant investment’ Shard Riverside

Historic hotel to get ‘significant investment’

17 Feb 2025

4

Double delight for Vincents two newest solicitors Beth Laws and Yasmine Dragan at Vincents Solicitors’ office in Winckley Square Preston

Double delight for Vincents two newest solicitors

14 Feb 2025

5

Bowker Motor Group celebrates record number of apprentices in 40 year history Bowker Preston BMW Apprentices.png.png

Bowker Motor Group celebrates record number of apprentices in 40 year history

13 Feb 2025

Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3
Blue-Modern-Land-Travel-Youtube-Thumbnail-2-1024x576.png.png
LBV Hub Awards
14 Jan 2025 - 18 Mar 2025

Skills Bootcamp in Procurement - Cohort 3

Community & Business Partners CIC, Blackburn, BB2 3UA

09:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

Understanding & Preventing Sexual Harassment - Creating Safe & Respectful Workplaces
Supporting Women's Health in Your Teams A Path to Success-3.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2025

Understanding & Preventing Sexual Harassment - Creating Safe & Respectful Workplaces

*, Online, *

12:30 - 13:30

Women's Health champion training
Supporting Women's Health in Your Teams A Path to Success-6.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Women's Health champion training

*, Online, *

10:00 - 16:00

Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work Course - In Person
RKMS ACADEMY LOGO - BLACK AND ORANGE.png.png
LBV Hub Webinar
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Level 3 Emergency First Aid at Work Course - In Person

RKMS Group , Blackpool, FY42DP

09:30 - 17:00

Employment Law, Tax and Payroll Update - East Lancashire
PM and M event
LBV Hub Seminars
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Employment Law, Tax and Payroll Update - East Lancashire

Accrington Stanley Football Club, Accrington, BB5 5BX

08:00 - 10:00

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February
Freelancer Meet-Up Feb.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
26 Feb 2025 - 26 Feb 2025

Preston Freelancer Meet-Up: February

Society1 Coworking Space, Preston, PR1 3LT

10:00 - 11:30

StackedX with PM+M and CFO Techstack
LBV Hub Seminars
27 Feb 2025 - 27 Feb 2025

StackedX with PM+M and CFO Techstack

Red Hall Hotel, Bury, BL9 5NA

08:00 - 10:00

Kickstart Networking - Crazy Golf at Level, Preston
Kickstart Crazy Golf.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
27 Feb 2025 - 27 Feb 2025

Kickstart Networking - Crazy Golf at Level, Preston

Level, Preston, PR1 1HT

16:00 - 18:00

Post Employee Ownership Trust: What's the story?
LBV image.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
04 Mar 2025 - 04 Mar 2025

Post Employee Ownership Trust: What's the story?

Brabners, Preston, PR5 6AW

11:00 - 12:30

North West (Preston) Finance Leaders Networking Event
MHA-BTI Logo_black (002).jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
05 Mar 2025

North West (Preston) Finance Leaders Networking Event

Farington Lodge Hotel, Stanifield Lane Farington, Preston, PR25 4QR

08:00 - 10:00

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV120 Online Graphic 1
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin