General Atomics

Cranfield University and Altair to advance use of simulation, data analytics and AI

Cranfield University and Altair have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore and expand the use of artificial intelligence (AI), simulation and data analytics within the aerospace and robotics industries.



Image courtesy Altair / Cranfield University

The organisations will also support students, researchers and startups looking to harness the power of computational intelligence within these industries.

Pietro Cervellera, senior vice president of aerospace and defence, Altair, said: "Cranfield University is a proven leader and innovator in aerospace and beyond.

"This MoU is just the first step in developing new breakthroughs and helping organisations of all kinds explore the immense power of simulation, data analytics and AI within aerospace."

Professor Antonios Tsourdos, director of AI, robotics and space, Cranfield University, said: "We’re looking forward to working together with Altair to identify ways we can integrate technologies to support students and their research projects and accelerate startups already working with Cranfield.

"We anticipate great things from our joint efforts and are delighted to work with Altair experts to drive next-generation aerospace innovation."

The agreement comes at a time when the convergence of AI, machine learning, data analytics and simulation is increasingly pivotal in developing new innovations in areas like autonomous space exploration, Earth observation, telecommunications and defence.

Cranfield University has world-renowned expertise in aerospace research and innovation. It is the only university in Europe with its own airport and runway and is the UK’s largest provider of accredited aerospace and space master’s degree courses.

Related

All the aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2026: Complete guide by category
RAF Red Arrows and Typhoon open Farnborough International Airshow 2022
All the aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2026: Complete guide by category
From the Typhoon to UAVs. Here's a complete guide to the displays at Farnborough International Airshow 2026, by category.
Connected Airport Living Lab opens call for airport innovation SMEs
Glasgow international airport
Connected Airport Living Lab opens call for airport innovation SMEs
Connected Places Catapult is seeking UK SMEs to develop and test technologies at Glasgow Airport, with up to £30,000 available for selected innovators.
Aerospace

13 Jul 2026

UK test capability supports Collins’ next-generation thrust reversers
Collins elecTRAS electric thrust reverser
UK test capability supports Collins’ next-generation thrust reversers
The Wolverhampton capability builds on elecTRAS experience from the Airbus A350 while strengthening UK expertise in more-electric aircraft systems.
Lockheed Martin UK achieves highest MoD defence cyber certification
Lockheed martin cybersecurity
Lockheed Martin UK achieves highest MoD defence cyber certification
Lockheed Martin UK says it has become the first defence company to achieve Defence Cyber Certification Level 3 under the Ministry of Defence programme.
All the aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2026: Complete guide by category
RAF Red Arrows and Typhoon open Farnborough International Airshow 2022
All the aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2026: Complete guide by category
From the Typhoon to UAVs. Here's a complete guide to the displays at Farnborough International Airshow 2026, by category.
Inside Affinity: Building UK capability for the future of military flying training
Affinity Flying Training Services RAF Cranwell
Inside Affinity: Building UK capability for the future of military flying training
Affinity Flying Training Services operates a fleet of 42 aircraft supporting pilot training for the UK Armed Forces. ADS Advance was recently invited to RAF Cranwell to understand how the business is building the engineering, maintenance and operational capability needed for the future.
Defence Insights Most Read

13 Jul 2026

York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York Space Systems completes acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York completes $300m acquisition of ALL.SPACE
York Space Systems has completed its acquisition of ALL.SPACE, bringing multi-orbit terminal technology together with space infrastructure and mission operations capability.
Member News Space

11 Jul 2026

magniX expands aerospace power technology into energy solutions
magniX_expands_to_energy_solutions
magniX expands aerospace power technology into energy solutions
magniX is broadening the use of its electric aerospace powertrain technology into mission-critical energy applications including defence, space, data centres and mobility.
The King opens UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell
The King opens UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell
The King opens UK Space and Defence Gateway at Harwell
The UK Space and Defence Gateway has officially opened at Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, creating a new hub for collaboration across government, industry, academia and investors.
Defence Member News Space

11 Jul 2026

£251m policing package to strengthen protection for Jewish communities
Police on patrol to protect Jewish citizens
£251m policing package to strengthen protection for Jewish communities
The government has announced more than £250 million over three years to increase policing, counter-terrorism capability and specialist protection for Jewish communities across England and Wales.
Security

13 Jul 2026

Lockheed Martin UK achieves highest MoD defence cyber certification
Lockheed martin cybersecurity
Lockheed Martin UK achieves highest MoD defence cyber certification
Lockheed Martin UK says it has become the first defence company to achieve Defence Cyber Certification Level 3 under the Ministry of Defence programme.
ADS sectors add £46.8bn to UK economy but industry warns delivery must follow
Aerospace engineer GE UK
ADS sectors add £46.8bn to UK economy but industry warns delivery must follow
ADS says the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space sectors remain resilient, but rising costs, finance pressures and supply chain constraints mean government commitments must now translate into action.