Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace Security

NPAS base reopens at Lippitts Hill

At the request of the Metropolitan Police Service, the National Police Air Service (NPAS) has re-established a helicopter base at Lippitts Hill, Epping Forest, Essex, which will provide support for the policing of London.

Image courtesy NPAS

NPAS crews, working with four EC145 helicopters, will operate 24-hours, seven days a week, from the newly-refurbished base, to support the policing of London.

The 34-strong team includes pilots, Tactical Flight Officers and Base Managers.

For the last two years, the capital has been served primarily from the NPAS base at North Weald, Essex – although as a national service, aircraft can be deployed from anywhere across England and Wales when called upon to do so.

Advertisement
ODU RT

NPAS has retained its base at North Weald and crews from there continue to serve the  East and South East of England, alongside colleagues based in Redhill, Surrey and Benson, Oxfordshire.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The re-instatement of the Lippitts Hill base brings NPAS’s total number of bases to 15, with a current total fleet of 19 helicopters and four aeroplanes.
 

Advertisement
Gulfstream banner
Aurrigo opens advanced engineering hub in Coventry

Aerospace

Aurrigo opens advanced engineering hub in Coventry

22 April 2026

Provider of fully autonomous vehicles and mobile robotics platforms, Aurrigo, has announced the opening of its new UK Hub facility, marking a major milestone in the company’s growth and manufacturing capability.

Chapman Freeborn strengthens European passenger division

Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn strengthens European passenger division

22 April 2026

Chapman Freeborn has strengthened its European passenger division with new leadership appointments aimed at supporting growth across the region.

Aerospace Bristol appoints Lloyd Hughes as first COO

Aerospace

Aerospace Bristol appoints Lloyd Hughes as first COO

22 April 2026

Aerospace Bristol has appointed Lloyd Hughes as its first ever chief operating officer (COO), marking a significant milestone in the museum's development as it pursues its ambitious ten-year strategy to double visitor numbers and grow its commercial operations.

Hexagon unveils laser tech for aerospace inspections

Aerospace

Hexagon unveils laser tech for aerospace inspections

22 April 2026

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Business Area today unveiled new laser-guided solutions that make it possible – in some cases for the first time – to automate inaccessible and large-scale quality inspections in labour-intensive operations such as aircraft assembly.

Advertisement
ODU RT
GKN Aerospace awarded Rolls-Royce engine repair contract

Aerospace

GKN Aerospace awarded Rolls-Royce engine repair contract

21 April 2026

GKN Aerospace has been awarded a new five-year contract with Rolls-Royce covering fan blade repairs for the RB211-535, Trent 700 and Trent 800 engine programmes.

AerFin launches V2500 engine support capability

Aerospace

AerFin launches V2500 engine support capability

21 April 2026

AerFin has announced the launch of its V2500 engine support capability, expanding its engine MRO offering and reinforcing its position in the global aviation aftermarket.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner