A MULTI-MILLION pound university project is placing the region at the forefront of scientific research into aircraft safety.

The White Rose Computational Grid system, the first of its type in Europe, is bringing together top researchers from three universities in a scheme which could lead to engine faults in aeroplanes being diagnosed much quicker and more efficiently.

The Super Internet scheme, which is being developed at a cost of £2.8m and backed by £400,000 from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward, will allow scientists in different parts of the country to link up on projects.

The project is being worked on at York, Leeds and Sheffield universities.

It is led by Professor Jim Austin, of the University of York, who said it will allow maintenance engineers to access aero-engine data held in computers around the world.

Prof Austin said: "It will enable researchers to access information scattered around the world, to solve problems and analyse a given situation.

"It's also intended to apply the sophisticated methods we use for the system in other sectors, such as the automobile industry and for medical applications. It really is a ground-breaking project."