Integrated Aircraft Engineering is a major new strategic research initiative for the development of new technologies in several interrelated disciplines in Aircraft Engineering and modelling.  The centre is creating a multi-disciplinary environment with the objective of enhancing performance and reducing lead time and life cycle costs. The Centre focuses on a system approach to research, development, design, manufacture and maintenance of aircraft nacelles and fuselages. The Centre of Excellence at QUB is unique in the aerospace world and indeed in the world of academia. It has links with European and American aerospace establishments.