Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Funding for UK aerospace transformation

Projects that could strengthen the UK aerospace industry through new technologies, are invited to participate in a regular competition that is part of the £3.9 billion UK Aerospace Research and Technology (UKART) programme, aimed at securing the UK's world-leading position in civil aerospace.

The UK houses some of the world’s most prolific aerospace companies, including Boeing, Rolls-Royce and Airbus, and employs over 360,000 people. However, maintaining the UK aerospace industry’s global authority requires exploring emerging opportunities and markets.

To this end, organisations are invited to express an interest in a £150 million annual competition with their innovative ideas for aerospace design and manufacture.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The investment is part of the £3.9 billion UK Aerospace Research and Technology (UKART) programme, a partnership between government and industry that aims to maintain the UK’s world-leading position in civil aerospace. The best projects will then be invited to apply for grant funding.

Eyes on the sky
Priority areas within the UK Aerospace Technology Strategy include whole aircraft design and integration, aerostructures, advanced systems and propulsion technologies. This competition provides funding for industrial research or capital investment projects.

Priority areas include:

  • bolstering UK whole-aircraft design and system integration
  • future-proofing advanced systems technologies in the UK – specifically, smart, connected and more electric aircrafts
  • securing the UK’s world-leading position in large, complex aviation structures, particularly wings
  • developing more efficient propulsion technologies, including large turbofans

Projects must align with the aerospace technology strategy.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Competition information

  • the competition will open on 3rd May 2019, and the deadline for expressions of interest is at midday on 22nd May 2019
  • UK-based business, research and technology groups and academic organisations can be the project lead, depending on the project type
  • businesses can attract a maximum of 50% grant funding. Within that, individual businesses can attract up to 70% depending on funding requests from other partners
  • organisations must sign up to the ATI framework agreement
  • an online briefing event will be held on 10th May 2019 where organisations can find out more about the competition and applying


To find out more about this competition and apply, click here

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
Digital Twin solutions set to deliver on UK-wide industrial transformation

Aerospace Defence Security

Digital Twin solutions set to deliver on UK-wide industrial transformation

24 June 2026

Digital Catapult has concluded its inaugural Digital Twin Adoption Accelerator which showcased cutting-edge digital twin solutions developed by nine small-to-medium sized enterprises (SMEs) from across the UK.

Intelligent Energy advances commercial hydrogen aviation

Aerospace

Intelligent Energy advances commercial hydrogen aviation

24 June 2026

Intelligent Energy has successfully completed H2GEAR (Hydrogen Electric Aircraft Propulsion System) - the UK’s flagship hydrogen aviation research programme - and is now applying the technology, expertise and infrastructure developed through the project to its next phase: commercial hydrogen fuel cell systems for zero-emission aircraft.

Gatwick Northern Runway Project cleared for take-off by High Court

Aerospace

Gatwick Northern Runway Project cleared for take-off by High Court

23 June 2026

The High Court in London has today upheld the UK Government’s decision to grant consent for Gatwick Airport’s Northern Runway Project.

Altus Group expands portfolio with SEHO partnership

Aerospace Defence

Altus Group expands portfolio with SEHO partnership

23 June 2026

Redditch based Altus Group has announced a new partnership with SEHO Systems GmbH, a German manufacturer specialising in wave and selective soldering systems, automation technology as well as THT inspection solutions.

Advertisement
ODU RT
From plane spotting to first flight

Aerospace

From plane spotting to first flight

23 June 2026

A Manchester man who grew up spotting planes at the city’s airport and spent a week on work experience as a teenager at the hub, yesterday realised his dream after piloting his first commercial flight for easyJet.

ASG Aerospace appoints Greg Bagwell CB CBE as Executive Chairman

Aerospace Defence

ASG Aerospace appoints Greg Bagwell CB CBE as Executive Chairman

22 June 2026

ASG Aerospace has appointed Air Marshal (retd) Greg Bagwell CB CBE as Executive Chairman, who has over three decades of operational leadership in the Royal Air Force and extensive experience across the aerospace and defence sectors.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner