Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • 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
General Atomics LB
Metis wins Kongsberg contract for Skyperion Lightweight

Defence

Metis wins Kongsberg contract for Skyperion Lightweight

15 June 2026

Lincoln based specialists in providing Radio Frequency (RF) and drone detection tech, Metis, has been selected to provide its Skyperion Lightweight passive RF sensor to Kongsberg to support the Polish SAN counter Uncrewed Air System (cUAS) programme, worth over £30 million.

Cambridge Pixel showcasing VSD-C2 at Eurosatory

Defence Events

Cambridge Pixel showcasing VSD-C2 at Eurosatory

15 June 2026

Cambridge Pixel is at Eurosatory, Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre (15th-19th June), showcasing its iVSD-C2 display software.

Thales unveils AI-powered Gladiator at Eurosatory

Defence Events

Thales unveils AI-powered Gladiator at Eurosatory

15 June 2026

Today at Eurosatory in Paris (15th-19th June), Thales has unveiled its new AI-powered Gladiator Training Data Analytics solution with Advanced After Action Review (AAR) capabilities that include interactive timelines, exercise replay, tactical metrics grounded in the fundamental principles of warfare, and AI-powered communications analysis.

Europe

Defence

Europe's largest drone test centre opened in Swindon

15 June 2026

The new Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis MP has opened Europe’s biggest drone testing centre in Swindon, learning lessons from the Ukraine and Iran conflicts and set to rapidly develop and field capabilities in far shorter time frames.

Advertisement
ODU RT
BAE Systems launching advanced digital fires capability at Eurosatory

Defence Events

BAE Systems launching advanced digital fires capability at Eurosatory

12 June 2026

BAE Systems is launching its latest digital innovation to the front-line at Eurosatory in Paris next week, an advanced Indirect Fire Control System designed to enhance the precision, speed and connectivity of modern artillery operations.

UK Defence Secretary resigns

Defence

UK Defence Secretary resigns

12 June 2026

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has resigned, citing funding levels outlined in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan (DIP) as unacceptable and that it would impact the readiness of Britain's armed forces.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB