Plans have been revealed for a major new centre for sustainable air transport at IWM Duxford.
Imperial War Museums and Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, have unveiled plans for Duxford AvTech - which will be the UK's new home for the research and development, prototype testing, certification and manufacture of new low and zero carbon aircraft technology.
Duxford AvTech will be a 45,000 sqm development on land adjacent to the existing IWM site, aiming to create a "new UK hub of excellence" in Cambridgeshire.
The centre's work will include the development of electric, hydrogen and hybrid powered aircraft, with supporting infrastructure and space to research, test and manufacture.
Their focus will be on small, short distance transport for cargo, as well as small passenger transport aircraft and non-commercial passenger transport.
IWM Duxford will remain an airfield, rather than a commercial passenger or cargo airport.
Caro Howell, director-general of Imperial War Museums, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Gonville and Caius College on Duxford AvTech.
"Throughout the First and Second World Wars, Duxford was a centre for aviation, embracing pioneering developments in technology and research, and in 1938 Duxford's No. 19 Squadron was the first RAF squadron to re-equip with the new Supermarine Spitfire.
"Through Duxford AvTech, this tradition will be embraced once again as we aim to create an internationally recognised centre of excellence for the research and manufacture of new, low carbon aviation technologies."
The centre is expected to boost the economy in the area, as well as creating around 1,200 jobs and new training opportunities and apprenticeships.
Professor Rob Miller, a fellow at Gonville and Caius College, said: "Achieving an aviation sector with no climate impact is one of society’s biggest challenges.
READ MORE
- Fertility figure found near Royston goes for double its estimate at auction
- Closure order secured following antisocial behaviour in Royston
"Solving it will require a complex combination of technology, business and policy.
"Duxford AvTech and its close proximity to the research taking place at the Whittle Laboratory in Cambridge offers an exceptional opportunity to bring together the best minds and skills to meet these challenges."
The existing museum and airfield site at Duxford is not part of the new development and will continue to operate as normal.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here