The day began with a welcome and presentation from Joseph Ribbons, University Coordination Lead, providing an overview of the company’s history, technical capabilities, and evolving role within the aerospace sector.
Students were then taken on a tour, led by Dr Usman Sikander, Advanced Manufacturing Technologist and alumnus of the Bristol Composites Institute. The group visited several key operational areas, including the historic wind tunnel, the AW159 build line, and Leonardo’s simulation facilities.
Cyril Varghese Thankachen, CoSEM CDT23 student, reflected on the experience:
“The tour through the different sections of the facility was fascinating, particularly for someone with an aerospace engineering background. Moving from the noisy industrial environments to viewing state-of-the-art robotic systems truly opened my eyes to the complexities of building a rotorcraft. It was a privilege to hear from senior leaders and members of the workforce who took time out of their busy schedules to share what makes Leonardo successful.
From the moment I entered the reception and read ‘The Home of British Helicopters’ to the final walk back through those same doors, it was clear that they truly live up to that title.
One highlight of the visit was seeing their ‘crown jewel’ — the historic wind tunnel — from the inside.”
The visit provided valuable insights into the engineering, manufacturing, and testing processes at Leonardo. It also created opportunities for students to engage with industry experts, expand professional networks, and gain a deeper understanding of real-world engineering challenges.
The CoSEM and ISCE CDTs extend their sincere thanks to Leonardo for hosting such an informative and inspiring visit.