Purdue News

August 27, 2003

Rolls-Royce executive to discuss jet engines in fifth Boeing Lecture

A top executive and engineer from Rolls-Royce PLC will be at Purdue on Thursday, Sept. 4, to discuss the history and possible future of jet engines.

Mike Howse, director of engineering and technology for Rolls-Royce in Great Britain, will deliver the fifth annual William E. Boeing Distinguished Lecture on "Gas Turbine Engines — Past, Present and Future."

The lecture, sponsored by the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, begins at 4 p.m. in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall. A reception will follow the lecture in Stewart Center's west foyer.

Howse joined Rolls-Royce in 1968 and began working in the research and development laboratories, conducting research in areas including materials and the effects of high-speed air on aircraft engines. He has headed projects to develop engines for the Boeing 747-400 and the Boeing 767. He also led the concept design work for the so-called "Trent" engine.

He was appointed head of advanced engineering in 1989 and director of engineering for the military engine group in 1991. In 1995 Howse became director of engineering-airlines, and later director of engineering-civil aerospace, overseeing work related to a wide range of engines.

Howse is a visiting professor at Cranfield University and a Fellow of The Royal Aeronautical Society, The Royal Academy of Engineering and the Institute of Mechanical Engineers.

He earned a doctoral degree in engineering science in 1968 from Reading University.

CONTACT: Tim Bobillo, School of Aeronautics and Astronautics development director, (765) 494-9124, bobillo@ecn.purdue.edu.