UK Sport has teamed up with BAE Systems, the British defence and aerospace company, in order to develop new sporting technology to boost Britain’s chances at the 2012 Olympic Games.

The five-year deal focus on sports such as cycling, sailing, canoeing, rowing and bob skeleton, and will also support a number of Paralympic disciplines such as wheelchair basketball, disability athletics and disability swimming.

Dick Olver, chair of BAE Systems, said: “Our partnership with UK Sport demonstrates the vital role that engineering plays in every aspect of day-to-day life and allows us to share our expertise to benefit the sporting heroes of today and tomorrow.”

John Steele, UK Sport chief executive, added: “This deal represents a terrific opportunity for some of our best medal prospects and I am delighted that UK Sport has been able to bring it together.

“The margins between success and failure on the world stage get ever smaller. In Athens in 2004, Chris Hoy won his Olympic cycling gold medal by 0.185 seconds, while the coxless four succeeded in the rowing by just 0.08 seconds. There is no doubt whatsoever that the equipment they used helped them in their endeavours, and it is these fractional margins of victory we are looking to help secure for the future.”