Structural engineer helps brings bomber tribute to life

Structural engineering firm BSP Consulting has revealed its role in a project to create a life-sized sculpture of a Lancaster Bomber honouring Second World War bomber crews.

The 29-metre-high art installation – On Freedom’s Wings – has been erected in a field at Norton Disney, between Newark and Lincoln, close to the A46.

BSP Consulting designed the main structure of the plane, the podium and the foundation.

Managing director Carl Hilton said: “Our approach was to digitally scan a real Lancaster aircraft and create a detailed 3D model.

“The resulting model allowed us to integrate a structural steel framework and apply the necessary loadings, primarily the self-weight of the frame and the wind forces acting on the structure.

“Fast forward seven years, and this vision has now become reality. This project has been the result of many people devoting their time, expertise and energy to move it forward through each stage.

“The team at BSP Consulting is pleased to have played our part.”