European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS), of which Airbus is a subsidiary, has tied up with the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to work on projects.

The NUS project will study how to reduce air resistance on an aircraft body, while the NTU's will look at how a helicopter airspeed sensor can help a helicopter to hover, take off and land more safely.

In addition, EADS will be helping the students of both universities. It is offering six $5,000 scholarships to final year aerospace engineering NTU students.

Selected NUS undergraduates will get a chance to intern at one of EADS research centres in Europe for three months, with airfare, accommodation and allowances paid by EADS.