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

Major drone incident could shut UK airport within five years, expert warns
Drone flying near commercial airplane
Major drone incident could shut UK airport within five years, expert warns
A major drone incident is “almost certain” to close a UK airport for a prolonged period within the next five years, according to a senior counter-UAS industry expert.
Aerospace Magazine

16 Oct 2026

Royal Navy deploys Merlin HM2 helicopters to protect UK nuclear deterrent
Image: MOD Crown Copyright/Royal Navy
Royal Navy deploys Merlin HM2 helicopters to protect UK nuclear deterrent
The Royal Navy has deployed four Merlin HM2s to Scotland to rehearse nuclear deterrent protection and demonstrate the helicopter’s advanced ASW capabilities.
Aerospace Defence

16 Oct 2026

Airport chiefs urge government to tackle business rates
Manchester Airport
Airport chiefs urge government to tackle business rates
AirportsUK chair Baroness Ruby McGregor-Smith has warned rising costs risk holding back future investment.
Aerospace

15 Oct 2026

Spectra Group secures €13 million NATO contract for Comtech MTTS Troposcatter Terminals
MTTS
Spectra Group secures €13 million NATO contract for Comtech MTTS Troposcatter Terminals
A NATO ally has placed a €13 million order with Spectra Group for Comtech’s Mobile Transportable Transmission System (MTTS), which uses the Troposphere to provide high-bandwidth communications that are independent of satellites and resilient in GPS/GNSS-denied environments.
Defence Member News

16 Oct 2026

BAE Systems unveils next-gen directed energy and kinetic defence systems
HPM
BAE Systems unveils next-gen directed energy and kinetic defence systems
BAE Systems unveiled two new advanced defence solutions at AUSA, designed to provide layered counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) and counter-missile capabilities.
Defence Events Member News

16 Oct 2026

Nearly half of Britons would not fight for UK despite rising support for defence spending
British Army
Nearly half of Britons would not fight for UK despite rising support for defence spending
Public support for increased UK defence spending has risen to 51%, but 48% of Britons say they would not take up arms under any circumstances, according to a new Ipsos survey. The findings reveal a divide between demands for stronger military capabilities and willingness to make personal or financial sacrifices.
Defence

16 Oct 2026

Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
ALL.SPACE Hydra
Viasat orders ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX Terminals for Ka-band networks
Viasat has placed an order for multiple ALL.​SPACE Hydra MAX terminals approved to operate on Viasat's global NextGen Ka-band network, providing resilient SATCOM connectivity for defence and government users.
Defence Member News Space

15 Oct 2026

Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Goonhilly satellite near Cornwall Space Cluster
Cornwall Space Cluster launches £15k legal support programme for space SMEs
Cornwall Space Cluster has partnered with Stephens Scown to offer specialist legal advice to space businesses, helping them protect intellectual property, prepare for investment and support future growth.
Space

15 Oct 2026

ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
ClearSpace removing space debris
ClearSpace selected to deliver UK’s first active debris removal mission
The UK-led programme will remove two defunct satellites while creating specialist jobs, supporting supply chains and building capability in the growing in-orbit services sector.
Space

15 Oct 2026

NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
NAD and CDS launch DSEI UK 27
NAD and CDS want accelerated capability as DSEI UK 27 launched
As the National Armaments Director (NAD) and the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) launched DSEI UK 2027 yesterday, they said faster capability delivery, greater innovation and improved readiness are required to ensure the UK and its allies are suitably prepared for any future conflict.
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
Chat with AI or Artificial Intelligence technology. Man touching chatting virtual with an intelligent artificial intelligence asks for the answers he wants. Smart assistant futuristic, Chatbot,
Warwickshire Police turns to AI to review the quality of investigations
An eight-agent system checks investigation records against policing standards, with officers retaining responsibility for decisions.
Security

14 Oct 2026

UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
UK Connect Defence's RBK
UK Connect Defence launches Rapid Broadband Kit
A new solution designed and manufactured in the UK, is set to deliver resilient integrated 5G and LEO satellite services broadband connectivity via a single rugged unit, connecting people, systems and services for defence, humanitarian and remote operations, with no external supporting infrastructure.