DETAILS OF THE SYMPOSIUM

DATE: 23 to 25 November

VENUE: Leriba Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre, Centurion

As part of the build-up to IASSA 2009, a flight demonstration of light unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) will take place at 15:00 on Sunday, 22 November, at the Swartkops Air Force Base.

The symposium combines a number of leading South African conferences in the aerospace field, including –

·  the Aeronautical Society of South Africa conference;

·  the Flight Test Society of South Africa symposium;

· the Technical Aerospace and Unmanned Systems Conference (TAUSC).

Acknowledging the partnership between the previous conferences and symposia and the potential for collaboration across the technology themes brought by each, the theme for this year’s event is "Aerospace Technology: Enhancing our Partnerships".

The Department of Science and Technology is the principal patron of IASSA 2009, through its Advanced Manufacturing Technology Strategy and the AeroAfrica programmes of the European-South Africa Science and Technology Advancement Programme.

Other sponsors are the Department of Trade and Industry, through its National Aerospace Centre of Excellence, and Armscor, through its funding of TAUSC.

IASSA 2009 will include postgraduate aeronautical student activities at South African universities. Over 30 students are participating, showcasing the high standards of research and development at their institutions and introducing industry to future leaders in aerospace technology.

A number of technical speakers from abroad and a dedicated session reflecting on research collaboration with the European Union will bring an international perspective to the event.

Speakers include delegates from both local and international universities, research councils and industry, and topics will cover thematic areas including:

·   Avionics, systems and automation.

·   Certification testing and flight operations.

·   Aerospace manufacturing, materials and structures.

·   Aerodynamics, computer modelling and simulation.

·   Propulsion systems for aerospace vehicles.

More information can be obtained at www.iassa.org.za.

Contact details:

Issued by the Ministry of Science and Technology

Lunga Ngqengelele

Ministerial Spokesperson

012 843 6802

082 566 0446

lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za