An aerospace research and development (R&D) facility in Manchester has been officially launched by the University of Manchester.

The Aerospace Research Institute will tackle the environmental, economic and health challenges that face the aviation industry and aims to be the leading aerospace research facility in the world.

More than 100 researchers from a range of disciplines are working on a number of projects, which reflect the requirements of the National Aerospace Strategy.

Professor Phil Withers, director of the institute, said: "This new institute puts the University of Manchester at the top table of university aerospace research in Britain.

"We are now better equipped than ever to play a lead role in working with UK companies to maintain and enhance their position as major players in the full gamut of aviation-related fields."

The launch (October 22nd) was attended by companies that included BAE Systems, Airbus and Rolls-Royce, which has a technology centre at the university.

The northwest aerospace sector has an estimated turnover of £6.8 billion and a workforce of 60,000 in nearly 1,000 companies.