Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

Optima opens new 3D weaving facility

Optima Technology Ltd, based in Huddersfield West Yorkshire, today announced the opening of their new manufacturing facility dedicated to the design and production of 3D weaving machines.

Optima have developed a new generation of 3D weaving machines, particularly aimed at the rapidly expanding composite and speciality materials weaving market.

Optima’s design concept embraces a new approach to weaving, rather than following the conventional route of modifying 2D weaving machinery and equipment, thereby taking advantage of technology developments such as linear motors, digital control systems, and also utilising 3D design and manufacturing technology. The result is a very versatile design, coupled with much simpler operating characteristics, and delivered in a much more compact form.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle

Led by Peter Bryant, Stephen Cooper and John Gledhill, Optima 3D was formed in 2018 when they created their first prototype of a pioneering 3D weaving machine. Peter, Stephen and John have over 100 years of engineering, weaving and manufacturing experience between them and are passionate about producing innovative products using cutting edge technology.

Prototype testing has been ongoing for over a year, and the design proven with rigorous field testing. The first production machines are now in build, and a launch date will be announced shortly. It is expected that the aerospace, biomedical and R&D sectors will find the innovative Optima product particularly appealing.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
UK hydrogen airport trial sets out roadmap for further studies

Aerospace

UK hydrogen airport trial sets out roadmap for further studies

18 February 2026

A new report into the UK’s first airside trial of multiple hydrogen-powered ground support equipment (GSE) has confirmed that hydrogen can be safely and effectively integrated into airport ground operations, whilst setting out a series of essential next steps needed to accelerate hydrogen adoption and decarbonisation across the aviation sector.

Kent collaborates on Pre-FEED study for Eq.flight SAF demo plant

Aerospace

Kent collaborates on Pre-FEED study for Eq.flight SAF demo plant

18 February 2026

Integrated energy services partner, Kent, has collaborated with Equilibrion during a successful bid for funding from the UK Department for Transport’s Advanced Fuels Fund (AFF) and with that funding for Equilibrion and its partners, Kent is delivering the Pre-Front-End Engineering Design (Pre-FEED) for Eq.flight, an advanced power-to-liquids ...

TEKEVER launches UAS Training School at West Wales Airport

Aerospace

TEKEVER launches UAS Training School at West Wales Airport

18 February 2026

Today, provider of AI-centred uncrewed aerial systems, TEKEVER, has announced the official opening of its new Training School at West Wales Airport.

UK

Aerospace

UK's January air traffic soars into 2026

17 February 2026

January’s UK air traffic increased by 1,725 flights in 2026 versus the previous year, equivalent to a 1% uptick in flights flying in UK airspace.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Responsive Engineering unveils apprentice-built Welding Academy

Aerospace

Responsive Engineering unveils apprentice-built Welding Academy

17 February 2026

Responsive Engineering, the daughter company of Pearson Engineering, marked National Apprenticeship Week with the unveiling of its new Welding Academy, a unique training space built almost entirely by its apprentices using repurposed and recycled materials.

UK pioneers 3D printing of aircraft parts using recycled titanium

Aerospace Defence

UK pioneers 3D printing of aircraft parts using recycled titanium

17 February 2026

QinetiQ, in partnership with Additive Manufacturing Solutions Limited (AMS Ltd.), has completed the maiden flight of an aircraft containing a 3D printed structural component, made from recycled titanium.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner