Strategic agreement

Citation

(2004), "Strategic agreement", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 76 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2004.12776cab.026

Strategic agreement

Strategic agreement

Boeing and QinetiQ have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore potential collaboration on the development of a variety of technologies, including aviation security, air traffic management, acoustics, lighting and cabin interiors, fuel cells and lightweight materials. Boeing's leading domain expertise in commercial and military aircraft, along with QinetiQ's pioneering research, could also allow for the development of lighter-than-air vehicles, Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), systems integration, and network centric operations.

Under this agreement, Boeing's European Research and Technology Center in Madrid, Spain, will work closely with QinetiQ to identify potential collaborative projects. Its staff has been working closely with technology leaders in many industries, academia and research centers across Europe to advance the technological development in these areas.

Boeing also reports that it has signed an agreement with QinetiQ, for testing new and derivative aircraft in the company's 5 m wind tunnel based in Farnborough, UK. The 5 m wind tunnel represents a significant national capability which, over the past quarter century, has made a significant contribution to the development of many aircraft currently flying. Boeing has for some time been the primary user of the facility and to date a number of Boeing programs, including the 777 family, the Next Generation 737 family and the 767-400ER, have benefited from the use of the facility to design high lift systems for improved takeoff and landing performance. The wind tunnel will remain under the ownership of QinetiQ and be available for third party use. The agreement is nominally for 10 years and Boeing retains an option to continue the relationship for a total of up to 40 years.