The center aligns itself with the strategic plan of Strata, a local composite aero-structures manufacturing operation. Its initial focus is on manufacturing and characterizing the properties of new and novel lightweight materials and structures for use in advanced aerospace applications. ARIC helps Strata by undertaking research into the next generation of high-performance aerospace structures. It also acts as a global research hub – collaborating with leading universities across the world, developing research opportunities over a broad spectrum of areas, and assisting technology transfer and innovation possibilities across the aerospace sector.
The center was founded in 2012 through a joint effort between by the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KUSTAR), and Mubadala Aerospace, in partnership with Strata. Since Khalifa University of Science and Technology’s establishment in February 2017, ARIC has broadened its activities to support the aerospace research being undertaken through Masdar Institute and The Petroleum Institute, which, along with the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, make up its three constituent universities. Two high impact research projects that have recorded advancements since launch are the Strata-sponsored research to develop smart industrialized robots, which is aimed at accelerating Strata’s production time and improve its product quality, and a project on porosity elimination during the manufacture of composite structures.
ARIC houses a wide range of facilities, including advanced manufacturing equipment for the cost-effective production of aerospace components, testing and characterization facilities for evaluating the properties of materials under extreme loading conditions, and advanced modeling capabilities for predicting the behavior of larger structures in operational conditions.
The center also plays a key role in the education of future engineers in current and next generation advanced aerospace technologies. ARIC encourages undergraduates to get involved with ongoing research through senior design projects, internships and independent study projects. Students also have the opportunity to spend time in overseas research laboratories and with leading aircraft manufacturers.
To support the local aerospace industry in its drive to develop novel solutions for manufacturing lightweight structures. To educate and train students in the design and manufacture of the next generation of aircraft structures.
To identify key technologies that will lead to a paradigm shift in aerospace design.
To build long-term collaborations with the leading aircraft manufacturers and research institutes.
To develop and maintain and effective intellectual property portfolio.
ARIC aims to develop an international reputation for cutting-edge research in aerospace technologies. The initial focus of the research activity will be on developing efficient techniques for manufacturing advanced composite and developing novel procedures for the automated manufacturing and assembly of aerospace components.
