The Engineer Conference 2014: space-planes, lifeboats, HS2, the factory of the future, and much, much more

May 14, 2014

Alongside keynote addresses on the future of innovation, manufacturing and infrastructure, this year’s conference will feature a number of “show and tell” sessions, where delegates will have the opportunity to learn more about some of the most fascinating engineering projects being undertaken in the UK today.

One such project is the development of a Mars rover for the 2018 ExoMars mission. And on day one of the conference, Airbus Defence and Space (formerly Astrium) will be sending one of its prototype rovers, accompanied by spacecraft structures engineer – and current Young Woman Engineer of the Year – Abbie Hutty to explain the challenges involved in developing it.

Another hotly anticipated session is the story behind the development of the Shannon Class Lifeboat – the latest addition to the RNLI’s fleet of rescue vessels. On day three of the conference, one of the chief engineers on the project, Peter Eyre, will be joining us to explain how the RNLI set about designing and manufacturing its most advanced vessel yet.

Elsewhere, the technical director and chief designer of Reaction Engines, Richard Varvill, will discuss the progress of the hypersonic SABRE Engine and plans for the Skylon space plane.
And one of the key figures behind the recreation of the only aircraft Bugatti ever designed (which was smuggled out of France to prevent it falling into Nazi hands), will reveal how his team brought the plane to life from its original 1930s plans and now plan to take it to the skies.

There’ll also be presentations on how BAE Systems helped Britain’s athletes at the 2012 and 2014 Olympics and Paralympics, and how Bechtel is leading the biggest construction project in Europe – London’s Crossrail.

On top of this, senior representatives from Rolls-Royce and Siemens will set forward their visions for the future of manufacturing, the technical director of HS2 will make the engineering case for the high-speed rail project, and Pratt and Whitney’s vice-president of technology and environment will discuss new technologies for today’s cutting edge jet engines.

We hope you’ll join us for what promises to be one of the UK’s most fascinating showcases of technology and innovation.