Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • AERALIS launch first test aircraft naming competition with Air Cadets

Aerospace Defence Events

AERALIS launch first test aircraft naming competition with Air Cadets

Bristol-based light jet manufacturer, AERALIS, yesterday launched a competition for Air Cadets to name their first flight test vehicle.

Image courtesy AERALIS

The competition will give Air Cadets from across the UK the chance to get involved in the design and development of the jet and the winning name will be used throughout the engineering process as well as for the groundbreaking first flight. The winner will be announced later this year and the competition will involve a range of exciting prizes for both them and their unit.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The competition was launched at the Air Cadet National Air and Space Camp (NASC), hosted at RAF Syerston, the home of Air Cadet gliding. The NASC is an annual event that gives Air Cadets the opportunity to undertake a variety of specialist training activities as well as the opportunity to engage with military and industry partners to highlight future careers in aviation, aerospace and defence. Air Cadets also enjoyed an exciting flying display, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Red Arrows.

AERALIS is looking to inspire young people into careers in aerospace and this competition will help engage future aircrew, designers, engineers and software specialists with the development of the next generation of military aircraft.

AERALIS’s founder & CEO Tristan Crawford commented: “We are very excited to be working with the Air Cadets to name the first AERALIS jet. AERALIS is the future of light jet military aviation, and we want to bring the future generation of aerospace professionals on this journey with us. We wish all those that take part the best of luck and we look forward to welcoming the winner and their family to our facility in Bristol.”

Commandant of the Air Cadets, Air Commodore Tony Keeling, said: “The Air Cadets is an Air, Space and Cyber focussed youth organisation that exists to unlock potential in young people. The opportunity to have our cadets engage so closely with a light jet aircraft concept that is being developed in the UK is just too good to miss.

"They will gain unique insights about digital design, modular manufacture and the use of novel materials and to see an aircraft go from drawing board to first flight – wearing a name chosen by an Air Cadet – will prove to be hugely inspiration to the next generation.”

The full details of the competition can be found here: MISSION:001 – AERALIS

 

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

 

 

 

Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner
Luton Airport inspires students to Reach for the Sky

Aerospace Events

Luton Airport inspires students to Reach for the Sky

28 April 2026

Prize winners of London Luton Airport’s (LLA) ‘Reach for the Sky’ school competition, took to the skies for a once-in-a-lifetime trip on Cranfield University’s Saab340B National Flying Laboratory Centre (NFLC).

Edinburgh Airport delivers £2.7bn boost to Scotland’s economy

Aerospace

Edinburgh Airport delivers £2.7bn boost to Scotland’s economy

28 April 2026

Edinburgh Airport delivered £2.7 billion of economic value to Scotland in 2025 and supported almost 44,000 jobs, according to a new independent economic impact report.

Heathrow unveils World of Opportunity winners

Aerospace

Heathrow unveils World of Opportunity winners

27 April 2026

Heathrow has revealed the 12 winners of its annual World of Opportunity (WOO) competition, showcasing the breadth of innovation and ambition that underpins Britain’s export economy.

Andy Armstrong appointed MD of FANUC UK and Ireland

Aerospace

Andy Armstrong appointed MD of FANUC UK and Ireland

27 April 2026

Factory automation specialist FANUC has named Andy Armstrong as the new Managing Director of FANUC UK and FANUC Ireland, effective immediately.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Britten-Norman advances airborne BN2T-4S 5G integration

Aerospace

Britten-Norman advances airborne BN2T-4S 5G integration

27 April 2026

Britten-Norman has delivered a key milestone in its collaboration with World Mobile Stratospheric, with the BN2T-4S Islander aircraft supporting the programme now prepared for the next phase of system integration.

Bristol Airport launches 2026 innovation fund

Aerospace

Bristol Airport launches 2026 innovation fund

27 April 2026

Bristol Airport has announced the next phase of funding of the Aviation Carbon Transition (ACT) Programme, a pioneering initiative designed to fast-track decarbonisation projects targeting Scope 3 emissions from flight and transport.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner