Imagine working in a confined, stuffy and uncomfortable environment such as the cabin in a non-moving aircraft. The air is stagnant and aircraft technicians will find it difficult to focus as they carry out maintenance task.

That situation called for an improvement, and a research team consisting of students and staff from RP School of Engineering stood up to the challenge and developed an integrated 3-Layered Composite Air Conditioning Hose to help improve ventilation in confined spaces. The innovation was environmentally friendly and cost-efficient as compared to using a conventional polyethylene plastic hose.

In 2018, the innovation clinched top prize in several competitions including Best FYP Student Team in RP, Winner of Polytechnic Student Research Programme (PSRP) Award and Winner of Tan Kah Kee’s Young Inventors, Commendation Award - Senior Student Category.

The industry project between RP and CW Aero Services Pte Ltd lasted for 18 months and was completed in March 2020. CW Aero Services Pte Ltd is currently commercialising the new air hose materials for the aviation industry.