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
FIA2026 animated banner
Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

Aerospace

Drones help restore Peak District ravine woodlands

2 June 2026

A pioneering drone seed-spreading trial has taken to the skies above the Peak District, as the 'LIFE in the Ravines' project led by Natural England explores innovative new ways to restore precious ravine woodlands devastated by ash dieback disease.

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

Aerospace

SAM NI completes £10m facility expansion

2 June 2026

Portadown based precision engineering firm SAM NI has completed a £10 million expansion of its manufacturing facility marking a major milestone in the company’s growth as a manufacturer of high-precision aerospace components and assemblies.

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

Aerospace Defence Security

Omnisense and 42T partner on resilient drone landing system

1 June 2026

Omnisense, which specialises in terrestrial positioning technology, has partnered with 42 Technology (42T) to demonstrate a safer autonomous drone landing system when satellite navigation signals are unreliable.

Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

Aerospace Events

Thompson showcases VantageXL for Discover Airlines at Red Cabin Summit

1 June 2026

Craigavon based Thompson Aero Seating (TAS) will today be showcasing its customised VantageXL seat for Discover Airlines’ A330s for the very first time at the Red Cabin / Aircraft Cabin Innovation Summit Europe, being held 1st-3rd June at Lufthansa Seeheim, Germany.

Advertisement
ODU RT
ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

Aerospace

ZeroAvia begins leadership transition

29 May 2026

ZeroAvia today announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Val Miftakhov has stepped down as CEO, effective 26th May 2026, to pursue new opportunities.

IATA reports ups and downs in April air cargo and passenger demand

Aerospace

IATA reports ups and downs in April air cargo and passenger demand

28 May 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) released data for April 2026, showing that due to conflict in the Middle East, total global air cargo was up 4.0%, whilst global passenger demand was down -3.4% compared to April 2025.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB