Cambridge-based Rotortech, UK helicopter engineering and composite specialists, has acquired a 10 metre long by three metre diameter nitrogen fuelled autoclave. It was previously owned by Richard Noble’s FarnboroughAircraft.com

Simon Peck, Rotortech’s md, believes it will dramatically improve the company’s standing in the aerospace composite business.

“This will enable us to develop new applications similar to the Rotortech-designed S76 lightweight rear engine cowling,” said Peck. “The dimensions of this large clave in itself are fairly rare and already we have had significant interest from the military market who are keen to utilise the autoclave.”

The company says the dimensions of the autoclave will enable it to produce large fuselage type size structures in a risk-free environment provided by its nitrogen system.

In addition to this acquisition, Rotortech says plans to build an additional 11,000 square foot hangar at its Bourn facility near Cambridge are well underway.