About NCCAT
The UK is committed to bring greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. NCCAT is integral to achieving this as part of the Aerospace Technology Institute’s (ATI) strategy “Destination Zero”. In this journey gas turbines will remain a key propulsive technology for aviation and, as the heart of a gas turbine, a combustion system is needed to provide the required thermal energy.
NCCAT is the UK’s primary research hub for future low-emission aero combustion technologies and will supply the necessary knowledge, talent, and new concepts needed for gas turbine combustion in a sustainable aviation industry. Near term this includes development of current jet fuel-based systems to increase efficiency and reduce emissions of CO2, nitrogen oxides, soot etc. NCCAT is already looking into new strategies and concepts such as the use of biofuels or sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and the use of carbon free hydrogen which will require a completely new infrastructure.
NCCAT undertakes both commercial and fundamental research over a range of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) from 1-5. This involves using a combination of state-of-the-art non-reacting and reacting test facilities and advanced numerical modelling. The work is underpinned by an experienced team of academics, specialist researchers, technicians, and a dedicated admin team. This also includes a cohort of PhD students through which NCCAT is dedicated to developing a talent pipeline into academia and industry.