Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Events

Cranfield starts construction of DARTeC

Cranfield University today marked the official start of construction of the new £67 million Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre (DARTeC) to be built at the Cranfield campus, with a groundbreaking ceremony.

To coincide with British Science Week, the Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation, Chris Skidmore MP, was welcomed to the University by Cranfield’s Professor Helen Atkinson. They were joined by guests from leading aviation businesses who are providing co-investment support for DARTeC. 

Advertisement
ODU RT

Science and Innovation Minister Chris Skidmore said: “The UK has a rich heritage in aviation and has always been at the cutting edge of aeronautical research and manufacturing. The future of air travel will be cleaner, greener and more efficient and the new Digital Aviation Research and Technology Centre will ensure the UK remains at the forefront of pioneering the next generation of flight, from new self-sensing technology to electrifying air travel.

“In our Aero Sector Deal we have set out our plans alongside industry to lead the world in electric aviation, boosting UK exports and create the high quality jobs of tomorrow as part of our modern Industrial Strategy.”

Professor Helen Atkinson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, said: “DARTeC will be part of Cranfield’s global research airport and provide the opportunity to advance the application of digital technologies in the air transport sector through partnership and collaboration. Digital technology will allow us to deliver greater efficiency and enhanced safety for aircraft and its passengers.” 

The Centre will spearhead the UK’s research into digital aviation technology, investigating challenges facing the aviation industry such as:
•    the integration of drones into civilian airspace
•    increasing the efficiency of airports through technological advances
•    creating safe, secure shared airspace through secure data communication infrastructures
•    increasing the reliability and availability of aircraft through self-sensing, self-aware technologies.

Funding for DARTeC is being provided through a consortium of leading aerospace and aviation companies including Thales UK, Saab AB, Aveillant, Boxarr, Blue Bear Systems Research, IATA and Transport Systems Catapult – as well as Research England and Cranfield University.

Dr Dominic Walker, CEO of Cambridge-based radar developers Aveillant, said: "Our company is built on technical innovation, and in particular applications of this in the field of aviation. The pan-industry partnerships within the DARTeC consortium give us the ability to address aviation technology challenges Aveillant could not tackle alone."

Advertisement
Teledyne

Andrew Walton, Head of Saab UK, said: “Our commitment to innovation and delivering leading-edge technologies across the civil and military domains sits at the very heart of Saab.  We commit 23 percent of our annual turnover towards research and development and our involvement with DARTeC evidences our ongoing work here in the UK.”

Steve Murray, VP Strategy & Marketing for Thales UK, said: “Thales is committed to play a key role in positioning the UK as a global leader in the digitisation of aviation and our role as a major founding consortium partner with Cranfield University is one of the many ways we are doing this. The partnership will enable us to further examine the real-world impact of digital transformation to jointly develop and exploit innovations within and between digitised airline operations, aircraft, airspace management and airports that are already in play today.”

The Centre is scheduled to open in autumn 2020. Research areas will include a covered hangar laboratory with a 737-400 aircraft and next-generation technologies such a Holographic Radar System capable of monitoring and controlling airspace around Cranfield’s own airport. 

The University’s digital air traffic control tower, the first in the UK opened in December 2018, creating a unique research and development environment.

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB
Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

Aerospace

Bombardier’s paint facility at Biggin Hill set for 2026 opening

14 July 2025

Bombardier's development of a new 51,000 sq. ft. paint facility at the London Biggin Hill Service Centre is progressing with several key processes completed, including ground stabilisation and foundation work on the hangar.

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

Aerospace

AAIB launches investigation into incident at Southend Airport

14 July 2025

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has started an investigation into an incident near Southend Airport on Sunday 13th July, involving a 12-metre plane that crashed shortly after take-off.

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

Aerospace

First electric flight lands at Gatwick

14 July 2025

The first ever electric flight to land at London Gatwick took place last Thursday as part of the VINCI Airports Network Elektro Tour.

Airframe Designs appoints new Advisory Board chairman

Aerospace

Airframe Designs appoints new Advisory Board chairman

14 July 2025

Aerospace specialist Airframe Designs has appointed David Roberts as the new chairman of its Advisory Board, as it continues to expand its services in engineering and additive manufacturing to the aviation and related sectors worldwide.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Birmingham Airport unveils terminal upgrades

Aerospace

Birmingham Airport unveils terminal upgrades

14 July 2025

Birmingham Airport (BHX) has unveiled its latest terminal investment as it opened extended boarding gate lounges.

Frequentis enhances Gatwick

Aerospace

Frequentis enhances Gatwick's departure efficiency

14 July 2025

London Gatwick has deployed the Frequentis Departure Manager (DMAN) system that went into full network mode on 23rd June 2025 as part of Gatwick’s Airport Collaborative Decision Making (A-CDM) programme, which is connected to the EUROCONTROL Network Manager, enabling better coordination across European airspace.

Advertisement
Teledyne