Kingston University, home of the School of Aerospace and Aircraft Engineering (and which has a close association with Marshall AeroAcademy) - in conjunction with Brooklands Museum, Weybridge - is building the Sopwith Tabloid replica from the remaining drawings of the original wheeled aircraft and photographs that show the parts that were modified for the airframe used in the racer. Dr. Alex Ellin, Principal Lecturer, Aviation Studies Field Leader of Kingston University’s Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, recalls: “Early into the project we knew we would benefit from some industry support and, building on our existing links with the company, we approached Marshall Aerospace’s Manufacturing Support for help with the fabrication of a steel, two-part engine mounting assembly.”
Marshall Aerospace’s Manufacturing Support rose to the challenge and, working from copies of 100-year-old drawings and some CAD models provided by the university, soon had the work in hand. The design was split into the two main components which were then ‘flattened’ for fabricating in sheet metal. Marshall SV used its laser router to cut the sheet metal and the parts then came back to Manufacturing Support for pressing/folding using custom tooling (manufactured for the task). The assembly was subsequently built and delivered to Kingston University in mid-May 2012.
Matthew Pope, Manufacturing Engineer with Marshall Aerospace’s Manufacturing Support and a Kingston University Graduate, was the Project Lead. He comments: “The manufacture of the engine mounting assembly, first hand-drawn a century ago but now modelled and manufactured using the tools and techniques of this era, was a truly collaborative effort between industry and academia.”
Once completed, the Sopwith Tabloid replica will be suspended between the 1st and 2nd floors of the Bentalls Shopping Mall in Kingston.
Image: Marshall Aerospace’s Manufacturing Support and Marshall SV help Kingston University with Sopwith Tabloid Replica by manufacturing two mild steel engine mounting frames. Pictured left to right, and with the engine mounting assembly parts, are: Michael Lewis (Marshall Aerospace Manufacturing Support Operator); Martin Chamberlain (Marshall SV Manufacturing Technician); Matthew Pope (Marshall Aerospace Manufacturing Support Engineer) and Raff Celentano (Marshall Aerospace Manufacturing Support Welder). The backdrop is the original Sopwith Tabloid aircraft that won the Schneider Trophy at Monaco in 1914.
About Marshall Aerospace
Marshall Aerospace is the United Kingdom’s leading independent aerospace company and is renowned and respected for its quality-of-service, engineering excellence, flexibility and reliability.
Marshall Aerospace uses its engineering expertise and proven programme management skills to deliver best-in-class, cost-effective and innovative solutions that add value to its customers’ activities.
Marshall Aerospace is an independent service provider - specialising in the conversion, modification, maintenance and support of aircraft - and its capabilities include: engineering design, manufacture and test; and the provision of personnel, training and advice.
Marshall Aerospace has one of the largest aerospace engineering teams in the UK - covering all aspects of design, test, certification and support, in civil and military regulatory environments - and is recognised for its innovative solutions and ability to deliver on-time and to-cost.
Marshall Aerospace holds many type approvals - granted by national and international authorities, airlines, airframe manufacturers and defence agencies – enabling the company to design and certify modifications on a number of commercial and military platforms.
· Marshall Aerospace is expert in supporting OEMs with the design, manufacture, test and certification of platform modifications, either post-line fitment for retro-fitting or upgrades; as well as products for new build line fit.
· Marshall Aerospace, with its extensive capabilities and type approvals, has established enduring partnerships with military and civil OEMs, operators and suppliers worldwide.
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For further information, please contact:
Heather Cox
Head of Communications & Engagement
Marshall Aerospace
Tel: +44 (0)7823 536007
Email: heather.cox@marshallaerospace.com
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Marshall helps Kingston University with Sopwith Tabloid Replica
20 June 2012
Marshall Aerospace and Marshall SV have assisted Kingston University in the construction of a non-flying replica of the Sopwith Tabloid aircraft that won the Schneider Trophy at Monaco in 1914; and is being built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of aircraft manufacturing in Kingston.