Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Apprentices gain new skills working on Spitfire

Aerospace Defence

Apprentices gain new skills working on Spitfire

Apprentices at Airframe Designs are using the latest tech to help develop their expertise with a project on the famous World War II Spitfire.

Above: (left to right) ApprenticesAdam Snelson and Ben Porter with the Spitfire.
Courtesy Airframe Designs

They have conducted an exercise at Blackpool Airport to complete a 3D scan of part of the iconic Spitfire to create two new wing supports which will help moving the aircraft for shows and exhibitions.

Advertisement
ADS S&P RT

Based at Hangar 42, the project is being used to help apprentices on the Manufacturing Engineering Degree Apprenticeship at Blackpool and the Fylde College with practical and academic learning.

Mick Smith, of Blackpool and Fylde College, who runs the programme, said: “This exercise will add a new dimension to the skills of the apprentices as they see how the digital technology can help with design.

“In this case, we have conducted a scan of the lower surface of the wing in order to accurately design and manufacture two wing supports as the aircraft is moved around the country at various shows. This will then help with further stress and design analysis work as part of the course.”

The apprentices on the project, Ben Porter and Adam Snelson of Airframe Designs, are developing new skills in stress analysis and design respectively. In all, six apprentices from Airframe Designs are going through the apprenticeship at Lancashire Energy HQ.

CEO of Airframe Designs Jerrod Hartley said: “As a growing, progressive business we’re committed to nurturing talent and this is a great example of what can be achieved with some tutoring and guidance.

Advertisement
Cranfield

“Our apprentices are continually gaining new skills on the course and are then able to increasingly contribute these skills in the workplace.”

The iconic Supermarine Spitfire was critical in defeating Luftwaffe air attacks during the Battle of Britain in 1940.

Airframe Designs continues to grow its specialisms in producing highly complex components for some of the largest aviation, defence and space organisations worldwide.

Recent projects undertaken by Airframe Designs include the integration of new systems into heavy lift drone platforms, conceptual design at a platform level for new uncrewed air-systems, test rig and tooling for electric vehicle propulsion systems and most recently the design and analysis of operator consoles for a special mission aircraft.

Advertisement
PTC PTC
Heathrow launches upgrade and expansion plan

Aerospace

Heathrow launches upgrade and expansion plan

12 February 2025

Following the UK Chancellor's backing of a third runway, Heathrow is launching its largest investment programme in the airport’s history to upgrade and expand through 100% private funding. 

Autonomous vehicles pass intense weather tests

Aerospace

Autonomous vehicles pass intense weather tests

12 February 2025

Aurrigo International plc has come up with new software to help airports overcome the challenge of operating autonomous vehicles in intense wet weather and snow.

Heathrow has busiest January on record

Aerospace

Heathrow has busiest January on record

12 February 2025

Last month was Heathrow’s busiest January on record, with over 6.3 million passengers travelling through the airport - up over 5% on the same time last year.

NATS outlines revolutionary path to drone integration

Aerospace

NATS outlines revolutionary path to drone integration

11 February 2025

NATS today announced the launch of its whitepaper 'Advancing Aviation through Integration of Drones in the UK’s Low-Level Airspace', highlighting how Project CAELUS demonstrates a successful path towards integrating traditional ATM with drone traffic by leveraging NATS Services’ new Concept of Operations (CONOPs).

Advertisement
Cranfield
Skyports and LODD unveil vertiport design for Abu Dhabi AAM network

Aerospace

Skyports and LODD unveil vertiport design for Abu Dhabi AAM network

11 February 2025

Skyports Infrastructure and Abu Dhabi based AI-powered drone tech and autonomous aerial logistics specialist LODD, have unveiled vertiport designs to be developed for the Abu Dhabi AAM network, across three strategic locations.

VIP-Fly services launched at Manchester Airport

Aerospace

VIP-Fly services launched at Manchester Airport

11 February 2025

Airport concierge specialist, VIP-Fly, is expanding its footprint in the UK with the launch of premium VIP meet and assist and concierge services at Manchester Airport.

Advertisement
Cranfield