The UK’s National Composites Centre (NCC) has received a significant £15.8 million investment to expand its high-rate manufacturing technologies for large composite aerostructures, positioning the UK at the forefront of next-generation wing development and other critical aerospace components. 

The High Rate Manufacture Capital Acquisition Project (HRMCap), funded by the Department for Business and Trade, the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI), and Innovate UK, will equip the NCC with 12 new cutting-edge, customer-ready capabilities. These technologies will support the rapid innovation and industrialisation of composite structures at unprecedented production rates — essential for the next generation of narrowbody aircraft. 

“This government is backing aerospace,” said Sarah Jones MP, Minister for Industry. “This investment will not only drive economic growth but help deliver on our net-zero 2030 goals — both central to our Plan for Change.” 

Traditional carbon fiber manufacturing methods for aerospace structures produce around 8 to 13 parts per month. However, future commercial aircraft platforms will demand production rates of 60 or more. HRMCap addresses this by advancing NCC’s pioneering Ultra High Rate Deposition technologies and related processes, securing UK competitiveness in global aerospace manufacturing. 

Jacqueline Castle, CTO of the ATI, emphasized that this investment “pushes the boundaries of current composite practice,” while Mike Biddle, Executive Director at Innovate UK, noted it “establishes the capability to scale advanced manufacturing technologies, benefitting not just aerospace but also sectors like energy and defense.” 

The investment will also help anchor wing manufacturing in the UK, with wider industrial impact through NCC’s open-access innovation model. The centre is collaborating with a dedicated UK Industry Advisory Group to ensure HRMCap technologies are fit for purpose and ready to support industrial R&D. 

“This is a powerful vote of confidence in UK innovation,” said Katherine Bennett CBE, CEO of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult. “It reinforces our leadership in composite wing technology and supports the creation of high-value jobs.” 

Richard Oldfield, NCC CEO, added: “HRMCap strengthens the UK’s global position in wing technology. With this expanded capability, we’re helping customers accelerate next-gen process innovations from concept to industrial scale.” 

Source: www.nccuk.com