Working with the University
- Working with the University
- Ways to collaborate
- Collaborative research
- Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
- Case studies
- Model-Based Development of Aircraft Engine Control Systems
Model-Based Development of Aircraft Engine Control Systems
Rolls-Royce Control Systems supplies engine control and monitoring systems for aviation applications, and is required to design, certify, and deliver these to the highest level of safety assurance. To allow Rolls-Royce to develop safe and robust systems, which continue to increase in complexity, model-based techniques are now a critical part of the software development process. The Automated Software Engineering group at the Department of Computer Science has more than 20 years of experience in model-based development and is developing Eclipse Epsilon, one of the leading open-source frameworks for model management.
The aim of our first knowledge transfer partnership (2018-2021) with the company was to enable Rolls-Royce Control Systems to transition from a set of proprietary modelling tools to a domain-specific, scalable and open-source collaborative model-based engineering infrastructure that will be used to architect and integrate the software for all future Rolls-Royce engine control and monitoring systems. In the context of this partnership, we provided expertise in domain-specific modelling technologies and helped Rolls-Royce build a state of the art model-based engineering environment (CaMCOA Studio). Our current knowledge transfer partnership with the company (2022-2025) aims at facilitating the transition of CaMCOA Studio to the web.
Our two KTPs with Rolls-Royce have been key to building a close and productive partnership. They have also contributed to a compelling REF 2021 Impact Case Study and opened up new opportunities for applying model-based techniques and have directly contributed to further research, supported by major programmes like HICLASS (£15.4M) and SCHEME (£22.4M). These KTP projects were funded by UKRI through Innovate UK.
Company
Rolls-Royce Control Systems
Rolls-Royce Control Systems develop power plant control systems, predominantly for aircraft engines. CaMCOA Studio has been used for the last 6 years for the development of the latest Electronic Engine Controller (EEC) software systems, which execute across multiple distributed nodes within an aircraft engine. The future for power system control systems requires Rolls-Royce to complete a step change as these systems will encompass a large number of distributed nodes, developed by multi-skilled teams across multiple locations/countries.
This requires a significant advancement in model deployment technology, particularly to support a higher level of collaboration. To further the efficiency of designing new control systems and support existing customer projects, Rolls-Royce are looking to utilise the advantages of a web-based modelling environment being researched in the second KTP project to remain at the cutting edge.
Throughout both KTP projects, the technologies and expertise from the University of York & both KTP Associates have been shared with the company and have proven invaluable for Rolls-Royce Control Systems to continue innovation with Model-Based Engineering.
KTP Associate
Qurat Ul Ain Ali.
As a KTP Associate, I have the exciting opportunity to contribute to the digital transformation of Rolls-Royce Control Systems, helping to modernise the way engine control and monitoring systems are developed. Rolls-Royce operates at the highest levels of safety assurance, and as software complexity increases, model-based engineering techniques are
becoming essential for designing robust and certifiable systems. Working at the intersection of cutting-edge research at the University of York and the engineering excellence of Rolls-Royce, this role allows me to apply advanced technical knowledge to real-world challenges.
Building on the success of a previous KTP (2018-2021), which established CaMCOA Studio- a domain-specific model-based engineering environment - the current KTP (2022-2025) which I am working on focuses on transitioning this technology to the web. By leveraging Sirius Web, VS Code, and other cutting-edge open-source modelling frameworks, we are enabling Rolls-Royce engineers to collaborate more effectively and work with scalable, cloud-based architectures. This collaboration not only contributes to business growth but also fosters innovation by integrating academic expertise into industrial applications.
Working at the interface of academia and industry has been a fantastic experience. The University of York’s Automated Software Engineering group provides invaluable expertise in Eclipse Epsilon, EMF, Sirius, and Xtext, while embedding within Rolls-Royce allows me to gain first-hand insight into real-world challenges. This unique perspective not only enhances the impact of my work but also helps drive innovation in model-based development beyond
this project.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the KTP is the professional development it offers. I have access to world-class mentorship from both industry and academia, helping me refine my technical and leadership skills. The structured nature of the programme, combined with the dynamic challenges of working in a global engineering company, has made this an invaluable experience for my career. Another standout benefit of the KTP programme is the generous personal development budget, which has allowed me to enhance my technical and professional skills through training events and conferences. Additionally, the mentorship provided by my KTP Advisor has been invaluable in shaping my approach to problem-solving and career growth.
The KTP has been an incredible learning journey, equipping me with both technical and leadership skills while contributing to meaningful advancements in aerospace engineering. It’s inspiring to see how model-based techniques can transform the industry, and I’m excited to continue working at the forefront of this evolution.
Academics
Professor Dimitris Kolovos and Dr Antonio Garcia-Dominguez
Our two KTPs with Rolls-Royce have played a vital role in our collaboration with the company. Unlike other forms of collaborative projects, KTPs have enabled a closer working relationship by embedding associates within the company. This integration has provided us with deeper insights into the practical challenges faced by Rolls-Royce engineers and highlighted opportunities for expanding the use of model-based technologies and techniques within the company. These insights have spurred further research, some of which has received funding through EPSRC ICASE studentships and large programs like Innovate UK/ATI's HICLASS and SCHEME initiatives. We have also co-authored two papers reporting on our experience with developing and maturing Rolls-Royce’s domain-specific modelling workbench, both published at the premier international conference on Model-Driven Engineering (ACM/IEEE MODELS).
Funder Information
About Innovate UK
Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation, is the UK’s innovation agency. It works to create a better future by inspiring, involving and investing in businesses developing life-changing innovations. Its mission is to help companies to grow through their development and commercialisation of new products, processes and services, supported by an outstanding innovation ecosystem that is agile, inclusive and easy to navigate.
About Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships
Innovate UK Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP) bring together forward-thinking businesses and organisations, academics, and graduates to solve complex innovation challenges which help our economy, society, and environment.