16/07/08: AgustaWestland - Leading The Way In The Clean Sky Programme
AgustaWestland is fully committed to investing in technologies and processes that reduce the impact on the environment in all phases of the life-cycle of its rotorcraft, from manufacturing and operation right up to its final disposal. As part of this commitment AgustaWestland is not only playing a major role in the European Clean Sky Joint Technology Initiative programme as co-leader, but is also investing its own money in programmes that will deliver “greener” aircraft. Under the umbrella of the Clean Sky programme AgustaWestland is undertaking work in a wide range of areas including efforts to reduce external noise signatures, reduce fuel consumption and investigations into “green” flight paths. Overall company goals (consistent with Advisory Council for Aeronautical Research in Europe vision for 2020 targets) include a 50% reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through drastic reductions in fuel consumption, an 80% reduction of nitrous oxides emissions and a 50% reduction in external noise. The research is aimed at the next generation of vertical-lift aircraft that will enter service after 2015 as well as the possibility to retrofit the technology into the existing product range.
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