A project to facilitate the training of the next generation of aerospace engineers in the UK’s only ‘flying classroom’ is fully operational thanks to the technical expertise of aircraft interior specialist, Starling Aerospace.
Working in partnership with Cranfield University’s National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC), Starling has completed a six-month programme of modification and re-certification of all 35 seats in the NFLC’s Saab 340B aircraft, which is the latest educational asset to join the university’s fleet.
The project required a bespoke solution for the fitment of computer tablets and other equipment to each seat-back of the flying classroom. Starling was responsible for the complete design, fabrication, modification, re-certification and installation process, which provides aerospace engineering students from over 20 universities and Cranfield to gain invaluable flight test experience as part of their research studies.
Operating from Cranfield’s Global Research Airport in Bedfordshire, the Saab 340B is unique in the UK in its role to create new research capabilities, including projects which test the development of advanced aerospace technologies and flight operations.