Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE), the technology services arm of the Williams F1 racing team, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing to explore potential areas of technological collaboration.
Under the terms of the MoU, the two parties will examine the possibilities of combining Williams’ innovation culture, lightweight composites and battery expertise with Airbus’ Zephyr High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) programme.
Williams Advanced Engineering is the sole battery supplier to the FIA Formula E championship where the company’s battery technology has been tried and tested extensively since the series’ inception in 2014.
Airbus’ Zephyr is a solar-powered drone with unique communications and surveillance capabilities, capable of flying at more than 65,000ft, above commercial air traffic, for months at a time.
Airbus Head of Unmanned Aerial Systems, Jana Rosenmann, said the company’s engineering teams were thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from the Formula 1 world.
“Both Airbus and Williams are always looking to recruit talented engineers and we hope that this joint activity illustrates the terrific opportunities we offer to work in the kind of technologies that will be critical to future transportation,” he added.
Craig Wilson, Managing Director of Williams Advanced Engineering, said his team was delighted to be able to work with Boeing engineers on the project.
“Airbus is a name synonymous with innovation and technology in the industry. As such, we are delighted to be working with them on this project, and hope to share some of our expertise in electrification, battery systems and advanced lightweight materials, as well as learn from their vast experience in aerospace,” he said.
“We are very much looking forward to working together on this project and hope the learnings from one another may continue in the future.”
