Continuing their 70-year relationship, Rolls-Royce and Purdue University have signed a 10-year, $75 million research and testing agreement. Purdue called the deal the largest involving an industry partner in its history.
Under the agreement, Purdue will work with Rolls-Royce on research regarding gas turbine technology and electrical and digital technology, primarily at its Zucrow Laboratories in West Lafayette, Indiana. The lab is the world’s largest academic propulsion facility, the university said, noting that it provides research for advanced technologies in electrification, turbines, compressors, and combustion with sustainable fuels.
Over the years, the partnership with Rolls-Royce has involved millions of dollars in investments in aerospace testing technology, sponsorship of graduate student research fellowships, and recruitment of more than 600 Purdue graduates.
The agreement builds on the recent expansion of the partnership between the organizations covering work in hypersonics, cybersecurity, and digital technology. Purdue in April announced plans to build a $73 million, 55,000-sq-ft, high-speed propulsion laboratory for hypersonic technologies.
“We firmly believe in the innovative power that comes from strong collaboration between industry and academia,” said Warren White, Rolls-Royce's head of assembly and testing. “Over the next decade, we’ll explore transformative technologies like hybrid-electric and hypersonic propulsion that will help define the future of aerospace.”
Purdue University president Mitch Daniels added: "Purdue's research partnership with Rolls-Royce will address some of the greatest technology challenges facing the U.S.”