February 2020

News 0 6 | Plant & Works Engineering www.pwemag.co.uk February 2020 Plant & Asset Management Expo set to return to NEC in April The Supermarine Spitfire Mk 1 K9942, displayed at the Royal Air Force Museum Cosford, has been presented with a prestigious ‘Engineering Heritage Award’ by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). The Awards, established in 1984, celebrate the contribution of mechanical engineering past and present, recognising artefacts, sites and landmarks of significant engineering importance. The Spitfire was recognised for the contribution and vital role it played both in terms of protecting our nation and its pioneering engineering. The Award was presented to RAF Museum CEO Maggie Appleton by current Chair of IMechE’s Engineering Heritage Committee John Wood, with fellow IMechE members in attendance. Built in Woolston, Southampton in 1939 this early Mark 1 is the world’s oldest surviving Spitfire. Designed by R J Mitchell, the Spitfire combined strength, lightness and streamlining with the powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin engine. From the beginning pilots recognised it as a thoroughbred combining a perfection of design with superb handling characteristics. RAF Museum Cosford Curator, Tom Hopkins said: “The Spitfire is the most famous British fighter aircraft in history. It won immortal fame during the summer months of 1940 by helping to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain. Although Hurricanes outnumbered Spitfires throughout the Battle of Britain, it was the Spitfire which captured the imagination of the British public and enemy alike.” Chair of IMechE’s Engineering Heritage Committee, John Wood said: “The Institution of Mechanical Engineers is delighted to present this award to the Spitfire to recognise the huge contribution, its designers and pilots made during the Battle of Britain. The UK’s large aerospace industry is built on the rich heritage of engineering innovation which is a legacy of aircraft such as the Spitfire.” Spitfires first went into service in August 1938 with No.19 Squadron and by the outbreak of war, a year later, nine squadrons were equipped. Production rapidly built up and by July 1940 there were nineteen Spitfire Mk 1 squadrons available. 1566 Spitfire Mk 1’s were built and the example on display at RAF Museum Cosford is the oldest surviving example of its type. The biennial co-located events; Plant & Asset Management, Drives & Controls, Smart Industry Expo, Fluid Power & Systems, and Air- Tech Exhibitions – are once again set to return to Birmingham’s NEC between the 21st -23rd April 2020, alongside MACH 2020. Plant & Asset Management, the UK’s premier event for plant, asset, maintenance and works management engineers and directors, will highlight the importance of maintaining plant, machinery and building assets to help alleviate business and financial pressures, as well as helping to achieve the maximum performance from those assets. The event will once again showcase the very latest in condition monitoring, CMMS, outsourcing/contract maintenance, energy efficiency, boilers/burners/combustion, handling and storage plus much more. Located at the heart of Plant & Asset Management, and the 2020 co-location are The Digitalisation and Engineering Forums. With a strong emphasis on technology, The Engineering Forum will bring together all aspects of plant and asset management, hydraulics, pneumatics, robotics and automation, energy efficiency, machine safety, drives, motion control, legislation, system strategies and technological developments. Featuring representatives from across industry including government agencies, research bodies, trade associations, and manufacturers. While The Digitalisation Forum will fully reflect the ongoing global transformation to the smart manufacturing era and provide a fascinating insight into the potential plants of the future, covering all aspect of the digital transformation across the manufacturing spectrum. Leading expert will address the vast array of information around 4IR, discussing the practicalities, technologies and issues surrounding transition and implementation of digitalisation in UK manufacturing. Over the course of the three- day seminar programme, visitors will have the opportunity to learn how they can seize the opportunities that exist and promote the benefits of adopting emerging digital technologies. For regular show updates and to register to attend, please visit the official websites: www.maintenanceuk-expo.com RAF Museum Spitfire receives Engineering Heritage Award John Wood presents the Award to Maggie Appleton, CEO, RAF Museum

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