http://www.adsadvance.co.uk ADS Advance is an exciting new magazine for the fastest growing aerospace market in the world. ADS Advance Online is a dedicated web news service for professionals needing daily regional news. en-gb http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/aerobility-honoured-with-kings-award-for-voluntary-service-during-volunteers-week.html On 1st June 2026, Aerobility welcomed volunteers, staff, friends and family, together with local MP Alex Brewer, to mark the charity receiving the King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS). Above: (left to right) HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson presents the award to Neil Tucker, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Aerobility. Courtesy Aerobility The presentation of the crystal award and certificate signed by HM The King was made by HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson. Often described as the 'MBE for volunteer groups', the King’s Award recognises outstanding contributions made by volunteers to their communities and is the highest honour awarded to local voluntary groups in the UK. Aerobility is a Hampshire based charity operating across four UK bases, dedicated to transforming lives through aviation. By enabling people with disabilities to experience the magic of flight, the organisation delivers adapted flying experiences, virtual simulators, classroom sessions, and funded programmes to support disabled people of all ages. Through this work, Aerobility harnesses the powerful and often life changing impact aviation can have, often leading users to ask themselves, “If I can fly an aeroplane, what else can I do?” “Aerobility volunteers really do change lives because they embody a ‘can do’ attitude,” said Phil Austen Jones, an Aerobility volunteer and flyer. “They remove limitations for disabled people, providing the support and instruction needed for real achievement. Beyond delivering activities, they inspire belief, independence and aspiration. This award is truly deserved.” For Richard Cook, whose teenage daughter flies with Aerobility, the impact has been deeply personal. He describes flying as having “therapeutic benefits,” helping to restore her confidence, self-worth and motivation. “As parents watching on, the charity’s support has extended to us as well,” he said. “Aerobility’s power is infectious.” Inspired by his daughter’s experience, Richard now volunteers with the charity, helping others benefit from the same transformative opportunities. Above: HM Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Mr Nigel Atkinson congratulates Mike Miller Smith MBE, CEO Aerobility. Courtesy Aerobility Mike Miller Smith MBE, Chief Executive of Aerobility, said: “It is an incredible honour for our volunteers to receive this award, appropriately during Volunteers’ Week.  Contributing around £20 bn per annum to the UK economy, the voluntary sector plays an important role. Aerobility is powered by the dedication of its volunteers. They are embedded in everything we do, from flying instruction and education programmes to fundraising, advocacy and even site maintenance. We simply would not be the charity we are without them. We are proud that their work, enabling the disabled community to access the magic of flight, has been recognised in such a prestigious way.” aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31059.jpg Fri, 5 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/janes-awarded-17-5m-enterprise-agreement-lite-by-uk-mod.html Janes has been awarded a three-year Enterprise Agreement Lite (EAL), valued at up to £17.5 million, by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD), to provide comprehensive, unclassified and up-to-date technical intelligence on military equipment across air, sea, land and space domains. Image by / copyright Shutterstock Blake Bartlett, CEO of Janes said: “We are honoured to further our long-standing partnership with the UK MoD. As the independent global source for defence and military intelligence, Janes delivers a distinct advantage with comprehensive datasets that are collected, analysed, validated, and contextualised to improve decision making, situational awareness, and mission readiness. We look forward to extending these capabilities across the UK MoD.” “We are proud to strengthen our relationship with Janes through the creation of an Enterprise Agreement Lite,” said a spokesperson from Defence Digital Commercial. “Enterprise Agreement Lites that are delivered through Defence Tech Scaler enable Defence users to access a broad range of innovative suppliers and technologies quickly and efficiently. This approach supports collaboration across Industry and ensures users can select the right tools at pace.”   defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31060.jpg Fri, 5 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/britain-s-mars-lander-plaques-land-across-the-uk.html A series of commemorative red plaques will tell the story of Beagle 2, the pioneering British spacecraft that, against all odds, made it to the surface of Mars.   Image courtesy National Space Centre Thirteen plaques will be unveiled at organisations and companies that played an integral role in the mission or continue to champion space exploration to the public. The initiative is part of the UK Space Agency's wider mission to celebrate the UK's proud history in space exploration and inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers and explorers. Host sites include the National Space Centre in Leicester, the Science Museum in London, Jodrell Bank in Cheshire, the Open University in Milton Keynes and Airbus in Stevenage. The 13 plaque host locations are:  National Space Centre in Leicester Science Museum in London Jodrell Bank, Cheshire Royal Society, London Aerospace Bristol M Shed, Bristol Airbus, Stevenage University of Leicester at Space Park Leicester Open University, Milton Keynes   UK Space Agency/STFC, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire European Space Agency’s ESCAT building, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire Royal Aeronautical Society, London Wellcome Trust, London For more than a decade the lander had been presumed lost after no signal was received following landing on Christmas Day 2003. Then, in January 2015, it was confirmed that Beagle 2 had successfully landed precisely where it was expected to, making it the first British and European spacecraft to land on another planet. Images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter revealed the spacecraft had landed safely, with its entry and descent systems performing as designed. The cause of its silence is thought to be a single solar panel that failed to fully deploy, blocking the communications antenna. Conceived by Professor Colin Pillinger of the Open University, in collaboration with the University of Leicester and a network of UK academics and companies, Beagle 2 was carried to Mars aboard the European Space Agency’s Mars Express mission. The spacecraft was intended to analyse Martian soil and atmosphere for evidence of past life on Mars. Space Minister Liz Lloyd said: “Beagle 2 captured the imagination of the nation and it is one of the great stories of British science and engineering. The team who built and flew it did something extraordinary - they landed a spacecraft on Mars. “These plaques are a fitting tribute to their ingenuity and ambition, and a reminder that the technologies and expertise they developed continue to shape the UK’s place at the forefront of space exploration. I hope this initiative inspires a new generation to look up and ask what we might achieve next.” Professor Mark Sims, who was Mission Manager at the University of Leicester at the time, said: “Being part of the Beagle 2 mission was one of the most extraordinary experiences of my life. The combined industry academia team put everything into getting the spacecraft to Mars and for over a decade we had to live with the uncertainty of not knowing what had happened and the fact that Beagle 2 may have failed to land and crashed. “When NASA’s images finally confirmed that Beagle 2 had landed safely and precisely where we intended, it was a moment of immense pride. “These plaques are a wonderful recognition of the thousands of hours of dedication from so many brilliant scientists, engineers and technicians in industry and academia across the UK who made the mission possible. The University of Leicester is immensely proud of the role it played and I hope this initiative reminds people that Beagle 2 was not a failure — it was a remarkable achievement that continues to inspire the generations of space explorers.” The National Space Centre in Leicester marked the new initiative with a special celebration day open to families and space fans of all ages on Sunday 7th June. Forming a part of the Centre’s 25th birthday milestone this year, the event brought the mission’s story to life through hands-on family activities, talks and expert discussion and an unveiling of the plaque marking the historic Lander Operation Control Centre. It provided an opportunity for audiences of all ages to increase their admiration and awareness for the legacy of this incredible mission. The technologies, engineering expertise, and scientific innovation behind Beagle 2 have become embedded in the UK space sector over the past two decades, shaping current and future UK space exploration programmes. Organisations or individuals who were involved in the Beagle 2 mission and wish to obtain their own commemorative plaque can contact the manufacturer directly at info@ward-signs.co.uk referencing UKSA Beagle 2 commemorative plaque in the enquiry. space http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31061.jpg Fri, 5 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/smiths-detection-s-hi-scan-10080-xct-achieves-tsa-acstl-qualified-status.html Smiths Detection's Explosives Detection System (EDS) HI-SCAN 10080 XCT advanced X-ray computed tomography system for hold baggage and air cargo has progressed from the 'Approved' section to the 'Qualified' section of the US Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Air Cargo Screening Technology List (ACSTL). Image courtesy Smiths Detection   The ACSTL serves as TSA’s official guide for regulated parties to use when procuring screening devices. While devices listed as Approved have successfully completed formalised TSA-sponsored testing processes, inclusion in the Qualified section reflects proven operational performance under real-world conditions, meeting the highest standards for security and reliability in the aviation sector.    The HI-SCAN 10080 XCT is equipped with a dual-view dual-energy X-ray line scanner with full 3D volumetric computed tomography imaging and reconstruction, enhancing the speed, efficiency and safety of hold baggage and air cargo screening. The system delivers a belt speed of 0.5 m/sec (98.5 ft/min) and features a large 107 x 81 cm (42.1 x 31.9 in) rectangular tunnel, designed for seamless integration into fully automated and networked baggage and material handling systems. This enables operators to screen up to 2,500 parcels per hour while maintaining high detection performance.   In addition, it is TSA 7.2 certified for high-speed checked baggage screening and meets ECAC EDS Standard 3.1.    Philip Tackett, Ph.D., VP of Technology at Smiths Detection Inc, said: "Achieving 'Qualified' status on the TSA ACSTL is a significant milestone for the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT and a testament to its proven performance in operational environments."     This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering advanced screening solutions that not only meet but exceed the evolving requirements of the aviation security sector, combining high throughput, reduced false alarm rates and superior detection capability.     While we continuously invest in next generation HBS capabilities, this qualification demonstrates that Smiths Detection also invests heavily in ensuring our installed base is kept fully up to date - delivering on our commitment to provide future proof capabilities across all our platforms."    The automatic detection of dangerous goods such as lithium batteries (iCMORE Lithium Batteries), as well as flammable solids and liquids, compressed and liquefied gases (iCMORE Dangerous Goods), can be seamlessly integrated into the HI-SCAN 10080 XCT, further enhancing safety and compliance across the air cargo supply chain. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31062.jpg Fri, 5 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/mgi-engineering-expands-into-italy-with-vigilar-group.html Oxfordshire based MGI Engineering has entered into a strategic partnership with Vigilar Group, marking MGI’s expansion into Italy and a significant new phase of growth across Europe. Above: Mike Gascoyne with Vigilar Group representatives. Courtesy MGI Engineering The partnership brings together MGI’s advanced engineering expertise with Vigilar Group’s operational experience, security expertise and industrial know-how, creating a scalable European platform for the development and industrialisation of next-generation dual-use technologies. The announcement was made during a partnership event in Rome earlier this week, attended by senior industry stakeholders, as well as representatives from the UK Embassy. The collaboration establishes a new operational presence for MGI in Italy, supporting the company’s continued international expansion and long-term industrial capability development. The partnership builds on strong synergies between the two companies, with both MGI Engineering and Vigilar Group sharing a heritage rooted in high-performance environments, technological innovation, and complex operational challenges. Based in Modena – a region globally recognised for its engineering heritage and motorsport excellence – the new company, MGI Italy, will bring expertise spanning advanced manufacturing, security, technology development and operational support. This multidisciplinary approach provides an ideal strategic complement to MGI’s engineering capabilities and supports the next phase of European growth for both organisations. The partnership is built around a shared vision of transforming operational requirements into industrialised technological solutions, bridging the gap between field experience, engineering development and advanced manufacturing. By combining complementary capabilities, MGI Italy aims to accelerate the development of innovative technologies capable of addressing real-world challenges across multiple sectors. Mike Gascoyne, CEO and Founder of MGI Engineering and former Formula One Technical Director, said: “Italy has an extraordinary engineering heritage and a globally respected reputation for innovation, precision and performance. Partnering with Vigilar Group represents an exciting step forward for MGI as we expand our European presence and build new long-term industrial capabilities together. This partnership combines shared values around engineering excellence, advanced manufacturing and delivering world-class solutions at scale.” Francesco Castro, CEO of Vigilar Group, said: “We are proud to partner with MGI Engineering at such an important stage of its international growth. By combining operational expertise, engineering excellence and industrial capability, we are creating a platform able to transform real-world requirements into innovative and scalable dual-use technologies. We believe this partnership represents an important step towards building a stronger innovation ecosystem and establishing Italy as a strategic hub for future technological and industrial development.” The move reflects a shared commitment from MGI Engineering and Vigilar Group to innovation, operational excellence and the continued development of advanced industrial capability in both the UK and Italy. Beyond manufacturing, the partnership aims to create a technology ecosystem where operational knowledge, engineering expertise and industrial production work together to accelerate the development of advanced solutions for defence, security, aerospace and other high-value sectors.   aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31063.jpg Fri, 5 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/fac-and-defence-connect-link-up.html Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) and Defence Connect have announced a partnership which brings together industry leaders, policymakers, researchers and innovators in Westminster to explore the most pressing challenges and opportunities in defence.   Image courtesy FAC FAC represents hundreds of businesses in the aerospace, aviation, space and defence sectors and their supply chains. The partnership will see both organisations exchange information about offers and information on training, conferences and seminars, and it will also create many more collaborative opportunities. Alan Fisher (above), CEO of FAC, said: “We have seen enormous growth over the last 18 months and this partnership provides another benefit for our members. “Defence Connects aligns with us in many ways and the partnership will boost what both organisations can do. “We will invite each other to appropriate events, explore joint research projects and organise joint economic missions. “It will also make it easier for both groups to take advantage of what the other has to offer. “FAC members, which are located mainly in the south and south-east but also across the country and abroad, include many that work in defence and the industry’s supply chains. “In an increasingly dangerous world with more money promised for defence there is a need for further intelligence and understanding of the sector. “Defence Connect has a track record in producing reports and briefings that are of great strategic interest for anyone in the sector. “And we have members with immense experience and expertise in working within defence which might benefit Defence Connect’s work. “As the partnership develops we will discover further ways in which we can benefit each other.” Dr Hannah Betts, founder and director of Defence Connect, said: “At Defence Connect, our mission is to strengthen the UK’s defence and national security community by facilitating informed dialogue between parliament, industry, researchers and innovators, so we share FAC’s belief in the value of bringing people together to support a stronger and more connected ecosystem.  “We are therefore delighted to be partnering with FAC, which has a long and respected track record of supporting strategic growth across the UK aerospace and defence sectors.  “We look forward to working with them to create new opportunities for growth and engagement.” aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31064.jpg Fri, 5 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/luton-airport-unveils-logistics-hub.html London Luton Airport (LLA) has unveiled a new consolidation centre that is housed in one of three previously empty hangars, formerly owned by Monarch Airlines and acquired by LLA in February 2024, which will create up to 30 new jobs for local people. Image courtesy LLA  The new facility is part of a transformational £11.5 million refurbishment programme that will see the two remaining vacant hangars repurposed to accommodate an easyJet apprenticeship training campus for aspiring engineers and aircraft engineering and maintenance facilities. Once complete, the refurbishment programme is expected to create up to 150 new jobs. The new consolidation centre will provide LLA with a smoother, more efficient logistical approach to receive and process hundreds of thousands of retail goods delivered to the airport each year. The facility will enable the consolidation of deliveries from multiple suppliers to over 50 shops and restaurants across the airport terminal. The consolidated deliveries will be made using lower carbon HVO powered vehicles and are expected to reduce vehicle movements and emissions across the airport campus. Alberto Martin, Chief Executive Officer at London Luton Airport, commented: “The launch of this new consolidation centre demonstrates London Luton Airport’s commitment to supporting our local economy and creating new employment opportunities for people in our neighbouring communities.  "The investment is also a fantastic example of our collaborative relationship with the airport owner Luton Rising and how we can work together to deliver tangible benefits for local people and the growing network of local businesses that make up our supply chain. The facility provides the airport with an even more efficient, resilient and scalable platform to receive and consolidate thousands of goods, from soap to sauces, on behalf of the growing number of shops and restaurants that our passengers can now enjoy across the terminal.” The centre will be operated by GXO Logistics, the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, which brings extensive experience in complex logistics environments, including airport consolidation, warehouse management and sustainable transport operations. Martin Cooper, Managing Director, Technology and Consumer Goods at GXO UK and Ireland, commented: “This new consolidation centre is a great addition to London Luton Airport's operation and a project we're delighted to be part of. Consolidation centres like this simplify and streamline the supply chain for everyone involved - from suppliers through to the shops and restaurants serving LLA’s passengers.  "For almost two decades, we've operated in complex logistics environments, including airport consolidation - and we're looking forward to bringing that experience to LLA, streamlining its delivery process and making it more efficient, automated and secure.” Construction of the consolidation centre was successfully completed by Neville Special Projects and AREA. London Luton Airport (LLA) is one of the UK’s busiest airports, operated by a consortium, of which the majority shareholder is AENA, the world’s largest airport operator and InfraBridge, an infrastructure investment manager. Airlines include Jet2, easyJet, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Tui, FlyOne, Sun Express and El Al. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31053.jpg Thu, 4 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/utac-special-vehicles-produces-1-000th-armoured-vehicle.html UTAC Special Vehicles has reached the milestone of producing its 1,000th armoured vehicle at the division’s headquarters at Millbrook, Bedfordshire, UK. Image courtesy UTAC Special Vehicles   The milestone represents more than a decade of developing, engineering and producing civilian armoured vehicles for specialist operational requirements, combining advanced protection technologies with rigorous automotive development and testing.   UTAC Special Vehicles’ armoured vehicle production, based at Millbrook Proving Ground, began in 2012 with a programme for Vauxhall Motors. This lead to the creation of the Armoured Vehicles department.   The first programme laid the foundations for UTAC’s expertise in integrating advanced ballistic and blast protection technologies into production vehicle architectures, leading to expanded activities and new collaborations with  Škoda UK.   The collaboration with Škoda UK became UTAC’s first programme to achieve full certification for both ballistic and blast protection, while also introducing hot-formed armour technology into its solution.   In 2021 UTAC Special Vehicles launched its next civilian armoured vehicle programme based on one of the world’s most recognised platforms for durability, reliability and vehicle armouring – the Toyota Land Cruiser. This programme reinforced UTAC’s commitment to combining advanced protection systems with modern vehicle engineering, supported by comprehensive automotive validation and testing at the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground.   Alongside these production programmes, UTAC Special Vehicles also designs and manufactures a number of highly specialised, low-volume armoured vehicles tailored to unique operational and customer requirements. These bespoke projects showcase the flexibility, adaptability and technical depth of the team across a diverse range of vehicle platforms and mission profiles.   Kirsty Andrew, Vice President, UTAC UK said: “Producing the 1,000th armoured vehicle is a significant achievement for UTAC Special Vehicles and a testament to the expertise, innovation and dedication of the team. Over more than a decade, they  have continuously evolved their capabilities to deliver advanced armoured mobility that combines protection, engineering excellence and rigorous automotive validation. They are looking forward to building on this legacy in developing the next generation of specialist vehicles.”   As global demand for specialist protected mobility solutions continues to evolve, UTAC Special Vehicles remains focused on advancing its capabilities, supporting customers with innovative engineering solutions, and continuing its role in the development of next-generation armoured vehicles. defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31054.jpg Thu, 4 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/farnborough-international-airshow-reveals-first-wave-of-2026-flying-display.html Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) has announced the first of many aircraft and teams taking part in its 2026 flying display, which is set to be its largest and most diverse in decades. Image courtesy FIA The line-up underlines Farnborough’s status as an international stage for aerospace, bringing together aircraft, teams and manufacturers from the United States, the United Kingdom, continental Europe and Latin America, with many more to be announced. Showcasing frontline military capability, heritage aviation to next-generation commercial platforms and emerging advanced air mobility aircraft, the flying display will reflect the ambition of the international industry today.  Headlining the display across the five-day event is the US Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, performing its only public display in Europe this year. The team will be showcasing the unmatched performance, agility, and advanced capabilities of the F-35A, the Air Force’s premier fifth-generation multirole fighter. Through dynamic aerial displays, the team highlights the F-35A’s stealth, sensor fusion and combat versatility, inspiring future generations to explore careers in aviation and military service.    The first aircraft and teams announced in the flying display include:   US Air Force F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team   Rolls Royce Vickers Supermarine Spitfire PR.Mk.XIX   RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 (Flypast)  Czech Air Force L-159 (Flypast)  Airbus A350-1000  BETA Technologies CX300  Bombardier GLOBAL 8000   Embraer S.A. C390 Millenium  GE Aerospace – Saab 340B   Vertical Aerospace VA-1X  Ultimate WarBird Flights P-51D Mustang  The Starlings Aerobatic Team  The Falcons – RAF Parachute Display Team  Static aircraft will include the Czech Air Force’s JAS-39 Gripen, DHL Air UK’s B777-200LRMF, BETA Technologies’ MV250, Embraer S.A. 195 E2, GE Aerospace’s B-747-400, General Atomic AeroTec Systems’ Do228 NXT and many more.   Taking place 20th-24th July 2026, the trailblazing Farnborough International Airshow will see global aerospace and defence leaders return to Hampshire, United Kingdom, for five days of unrivalled opportunities to discover the latest pioneering technology and engineering, announce historic partnerships and collaboratively work towards the cumulative sustainable aerospace vision.   Pioneers of Tomorrow: Friday 24th July   On Friday 24th July, the airshow will welcome thousands of young people for a dedicated STEM day, Pioneers of Tomorrow, inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. The day will include dedicated features and activity, including live entertainment, simulators, Meet The Pilot sessions, speaker programme, STEM activities and Careers Fair and digital Job Board to advertise apprenticeships, graduate schemes and entry-level roles, as well as competitions and on-stand experiences targeted at young people. The Pioneers of Tomorrow day is open to everyone, regardless of age or background, from aviation fans to first-time visitors. Families and education/youth groups are especially encouraged to visit and under 21s, full-time students and apprentices can attend for free.   The Farnborough International Airshow is held at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Hampshire, UK. In 2024 it welcomed over 100,000 visitors, 1,500 exhibitors from over 60 countries and over 420 civil, military and space delegations.  Farnborough International is an events conglomerate with a state-of-the-art exhibition and conference centre and a growing event portfolio, including Farnborough International Airshow, Aerospace Global Forum, Sustainable Skies World Summit and Global Urban & Advanced Air Summit, plus film studios.   Covering 20,000sqm of event space, the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre offers a multifunctional venue with flexible spaces and has been purpose-built for the hosting of large-scale events. Served by strong national and international travel links, the venue can be reached in just 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo or by car from the M3. For those travelling by air, Heathrow is only 30 minutes away and Gatwick 50 minutes by car. Farnborough Airport, adjacent to the venue, is one of Europe’s leading business airports.  Farnborough International is a wholly owned subsidiary of ADS Group.  For more information, visit: www.farnboroughairshow.com For the current aircraft list, visit: www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aircraft-listing aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31055.jpg Thu, 4 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/dvd2026-aligning-people-systems-and-decisions.html As the land equipment sector prepares for the premier biennial event at UTAC Millbrook on 16th and 17th September 2026, the narrative for this year’s exhibition has officially been set, Connected for Combat - Aligning people, systems and decisions. Image courtesy DVD Sponsored by the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group) and Army Headquarters, DVD2026 represents a critical evolution in the generation of modern military capability. DVD2026 is more than a trade show, it’s a live event where the integration of lethal, resilient systems meets the reality of modern battlefield requirements. Deliberately scheduled in the years between the biennial DSEI show, DVD is an essential event in the defence diary, enabling coordinated engagement through informal discussion, briefings, demonstrations and live displays. Stakeholders from across the MoD are invited to attend, to broaden perspectives and encourage innovation. Held at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire, the venue provides the ideal environment for demonstrations of land equipment in a setting that reflects the rigours of operation. As the Land Enterprise seeks to become more agile, DVD2026 ensures that both established Primes and the UK’s most innovative SMEs are fully integrated into the future of Land Warfare. A New Strategic Narrative This year’s theme underscores an increasingly integrated operating model between the British Army, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the NAD Group. This approach is a direct response to Defence Reform, aiming to ensure that the UK’s Land Enterprise remains ready for future challenges. Major General Lizzie Faithfull-Davies CBE, explains the ethos behind the event: "This year’s theme reflects the vital importance of bringing people together to have the frank, open and face-to-face conversations necessary to understand our mutual requirements. By connecting the unique perspectives of our industry partners, from the Primes through to the SMEs, with our own lived experience, we can ensure that we’re delivering the lethal, resilient and integrated capabilities our soldiers need for the future." “DVD is really important for defence procurement,” she continues “because it gives an amazing opportunity for our industry partners to connect really closely with defence and the National Armaments Director Group, which is relatively newly formed. It will allow them to discuss directly with us all to understand both defence's requirements and for us to understand what industry has to offer." DVD2026 will enable Army leadership to describe emerging concepts, shaped by a future force design model grounded in autonomous warfare trends, and demonstrate how elements of the Land system integrate to deliver coherent capability. The SME Zone One of the most significant changes for DVD2026 is the introduction of the SME Zone, which aims to remove barriers to entry for small businesses. This dedicated gateway is designed for UK-based start-ups, spin-outs and growing businesses that are not already working within defence and with fewer than 250 employees. The Minister of State for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, has highlighted the importance of this shift: "For too long, complex procurement processes have blocked some of Britain’s brightest businesses from supporting our Armed Forces. The new SME Zone at DVD2026 is an important step in breaking down these barriers. Creating direct access for smaller suppliers to engage with the land sector will strengthen our defence capabilities and at the same time fuel economic growth across the UK. This supports our pledge to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.” To further assist these agile innovators, the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, which was established in January 2026, will provide advice on how smaller firms can engage commercially with the Land Enterprise. This ensures that the most innovative concepts have a clear pathway from the exhibition floor to the frontline. Engineering Lethality and Resilience General Sir Roly Walker, Chief of the General Staff, emphasises that maintaining a competitive edge requires integrating new technologies at the "speed of relevance". The event focuses on high-tech solutions including: Sensors and Software: Critical for situational awareness and rapid decision-making. Integrated Systems: Ensuring that hardware works cohesively within a modern digital framework. Advanced Land Equipment: Showcasing innovations that protect soldiers while enhancing lethality. By opening the door to non-traditional defence suppliers, the Army seeks to fast-track the sensors, software and systems that will define the next generation of warfare. Collaboration The NAD Group is part of the UK MoD. Led by the UK National Armaments Director, Rupert Pearce, the NAD Group unites the MoD organisations responsible for developing, delivering, sustaining, housing and harbouring the UK’s national arsenal and defence estate. Bringing together expertise in science, technology, procurement, infrastructure and support, the NAD Group provides integrated capabilities faster, more efficiently and effectively for our armed forces and allies. DVD2026 offers more than just static displays. Attendees can expect a comprehensive programme featuring: Innovation Showcases: Where industry partners present their latest advancements.   Seminars and Workshops: Opportunities for engineers and delivery teams to share expertise and develop real-world solutions.   Direct Engagement: Face-to-face networking with decision-makers, MoD staff and end-users of land equipment. Attendees will benefit from: Enhanced land equipment knowledge and a better understanding of UK industry and the innovations that can protect the nation. Strengthened collaboration aligning land vehicle capability development and supporting industry innovation and national security. Increased export opportunities, better informed capability planning and influence in key MoD decisions. Direct engagement with Army Headquarters and NAD Group staff to understand MoD needs, procurement and support, plus industry collaboration. Industry engagement to develop ideas and generate greater understanding of innovation and technology. The chance to network with colleagues and peers from around the UK. DVD2026 stands as a testament to the power of connection, where industry and military leadership align to deliver the capabilities required for a lethal, resilient and ready force. focus http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31056.jpg Thu, 4 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/birmingham-airport-awarded-level-4-airport-carbon-accreditation.html Birmingham Airport (BHX) has been awarded Level 4 Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) by Airports Council International (ACI), marking a significant milestone in its journey towards net zero. This achievement follows three consecutive years of maintaining Level 3 status. Image courtesy BHX   The accreditation recognises the airport’s continued progress in reducing carbon emissions and strengthening its long-term sustainability commitments. It is further supported by BHX’s new five-year Sustainability Strategy, that was launched in February, which sets out a clear roadmap to reduce absolute carbon emissions and achieve net zero airport-controlled emissions by 2033.    To align and support the net zero goal, the airport’s capital investment programme not only enhances passenger experience but also embeds sustainability across build and operations. Key initiatives contributing to this Level 4 achievement include:  Installation of energy-efficient LED lighting and smart controls  Upgrades to building and energy management systems  Delivery of a 6.8MW solar photovoltaic (PV) array  Investment in electric vehicles and the adoption of low-carbon fuels    In addition, the airport works closely with airlines, ground handlers, transport providers, and concession partners to enable emissions reductions beyond its direct control.    Nick Barton, CEO of Birmingham Airport, said: “Our journey towards net zero began many years ago, and we have always remained committed to reducing and offsetting our carbon emissions. The Sustainability Team at BHX has been instrumental in achieving Level 4 Carbon Accreditation, driving innovation and collaboration across the airport.”    Olivier Jankovec, ACI EUROPE Director General: "Congratulations to Birmingham Airport for scaling new heights in carbon management within Airport Carbon Accreditation. Setting a clear path to net zero by 2033 is one thing, but backing it up by consistently rising through certification levels in the only global carbon standard for airports is what really makes the difference. With Level 4, Birmingham Airport's carbon strategy is now fully aligned with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. Hats off to the entire team."    Birmingham Airport’s Sustainability Strategy, launched earlier this year, can be found here.    aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31057.jpg Thu, 4 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/rolls-royce-trent-xwb-84-ep-achieves-efficiency-milestone.html Rolls-Royce has reached a major milestone for its Trent XWB-84 Enhanced Performance (EP) engine, which has delivered almost double the baseline of anticipated fuel savings during its first year in service. Image courtesy Rolls-Royce Enabled by the ongoing transformation of Rolls-Royce, the first Trent XWB-84 EP entered service in May 2025 as part of a £1 billion investment in its modern Trent fleet. Certified with a two-decibel noise reduction and an initial one percent fuel burn saving compared to the standard Trent XWB-84, data from the first 34 engines in service across three major operators shows the engine is delivering a 1.8% reduction in fuel consumption. This improvement translates to around $450,000 in annual fuel savings per aircraft, or around $9 million per year for a typical fleet of 20 Airbus A350-900s. The Trent XWB-84 EP is on track to reach 100,000 flying hours in its first year, demonstrating its reliability and positive impact on customers’ operational efficiency and sustainability. For the last 10 years, longstanding Rolls-Royce partner, Singapore Airlines, has relied on the Trent XWB-84 to power its A350-900 medium-haul, long-haul, and ultra-long-range operations. Mr Lau Hwa Peng, Senior Vice President, Engineering, Singapore Airlines, said: "Since 2016, the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-84 engine has played an important role in Singapore Airlines’ Airbus A350-900 operations. It has enabled us to successfully grow our network and operate on some of the most challenging routes, including the world’s longest non-stop services to the United States with our A350-900 ULR aircraft. We also appreciate the continued collaboration and support from Rolls-Royce, including ongoing improvements for the Trent XWB-84 EP, which contribute to better fuel efficiency and help strengthen network resilience.” Adam Davies, Director Commercial Aviation, Trent XWB for Rolls-Royce, said: "This milestone is proof that the investments we have made in our Trent family are delivering real-world results, supporting our customers’ operational efficiency and sustainability goals.  We are delighted our target of at least one percent improvement in fuel burn has been comfortably surpassed. I would like to thank our partners, including Singapore Airlines, for their ongoing trust in the Trent XWB family.” Rolls-Royce continues to produce both the standard and EP variants of the Trent XWB-84 to meet diverse customer needs, with the EP engine now setting a new benchmark for fuel efficiency in the industry.   aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31058.jpg Thu, 4 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/a-r-t-partners-with-space-east-to-launch-networking-event.html One of Europe’s longest-running IPC Certification Centres, Advanced Rework Technology Ltd (A.R.T.), has partnered with Space East, the East of England’s space cluster organisation, to host the Connect, Collaborate, Launch networking event on 2nd July 2026. Image courtesy A.R.T. Focused on the theme ‘From Training to Production - Connecting the Steps within the Space Sector Industry’, the event will bring together organisations from across the supply chain for a day of networking, discussion and knowledge sharing. Debbie McDade, Managing Director of A.R.T., said: “Space East plays an important role in bringing together organisations, expertise and opportunities across the region’s growing space sector. As a company focused on training, skills development and practical support for the electronics manufacturing industry, we are pleased to be working with Space East to host an event that reflects the importance of collaboration throughout the supply chain. “The theme of ‘From Training to Production’ aligns closely with what we do at A.R.T. every day. Developing skills is only one part of the process. Understanding the materials, equipment, technologies and manufacturing practices used in production is equally important. Through our training programmes, practical facilities and Supplier Showcase Room, we help provide that wider understanding, making this event an ideal opportunity to bring together organisations involved in high-reliability sectors, including space.” Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from guest speakers, connect with fellow industry professionals and gain insight into the technologies, skills and expertise that support high-reliability sectors, including space. The event will take place at A.R.T.’s training and demonstration facility in Witham, where attendees will also have full access to the company’s Supplier Showcase Room. Developed to provide greater visibility into the equipment, materials and technologies used throughout electronics manufacturing, the facility helps bridge the gap between training, process development and production. A range of industry suppliers will be represented within the Supplier Showcase Room, providing visitors with the opportunity to learn more about the products, technologies and services used across electronics assembly, inspection, rework and manufacturing. Connect, Collaborate, Launch will take place at A.R.T.’s headquarters in Witham, Essex, on 2nd July 2026. Attendance is free, although places are limited and advance registration is required. To register, visit: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/connect-collaborate-launch-tickets-1990638753097 space http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31043.jpg Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/gal-works-with-two-wildlife-trusts-to-remove-co2e.html Gatwick Airport Limited (GAL) has partnered with two Wildlife Trusts to help remove carbon emissions. Image courtesy GAL Building on GAL’s industry-leading approach to biodiversity, which has seen it awarded the Wildlife Trust Biodiversity Benchmark for the past 11 years, the airport operator is now partnering with Kent and Somerset Wildlife Trusts.  The partnerships will support two new projects which will see degraded former agricultural land transformed into species-rich habitats over the coming years.  These projects will help to support wildlife and ecology, contribute to flood alleviation and benefit local communities for years to come, while also capturing carbon.  The projects have been facilitated by Wilder Carbon, a not-for-profit which matches organisations looking to expand their sustainability work with wildlife organisations which deliver high quality environmental projects.   GAL has invested £1 million which will be used to remove 10,000 tonnes CO2e via the Wilder Carbon projects at  Ironhurst Valley Nature Reserve in Kent and  Honeygar Farm in Somerset .  These carbon emissions will be significant proportion of what’s left after GAL has successfully delivered a £250million capital programme to reduce carbon emissions as far as possible. This carbon removed from the atmosphere via these projects will “offset” the residual emissions generated by the airport operator between 2030 and 2039, which cannot be eliminated.  GAL is making this investment now to assure the transformation of these sites, paving the way for future benefits in the decades to come.  Mark Edwards, Head of Sustainability, London Gatwick said: “We have an unwavering commitment to sustainability and to achieving our aim of being net zero for emissions under our direct control by 2030. We are making great progress, as detailed in our  2025 Sustainability Report .   “We are doing all we can to reduce our carbon footprint but come 2030 a small proportion of greenhouse gas emissions will remain. We won’t be able to eradicate these emission sources for various reasons such as the technology not yet existing.   “In order to achieve Net Zero, we will need to remove these residual emissions.  “Collaborating with Wilder Carbon offered us the opportunity to support local,  high integrity , nature-based projects that offered considerable benefits in addition to carbon removal.  “We carefully considered which projects to partner with and I’m delighted that Ironhurst is so close to the airport. I’m excited to see how nature will transform Ironhurst and Honeygar over the coming years as our partnership progresses. Our thanks go to the Wilder Carbon team for helping us find our partner sites, and to the two Trusts.”  Georgia Dent, Chief Executive Officer, for Somerset Wildlife Trust said: “If we’re serious about restoring nature at scale, we need responsible organisations which have a demonstrable commitment to reducing carbon emissions to invest in high quality, impactful projects that lock up carbon and rebuild biodiversity here in the UK.  “This investment relates specifically to emissions from London Gatwick’s own existing operations – and is part of their overall commitment to reach net zero. This partnership will help restore habitats and keep carbon secured in healthy peat at Honeygar for generations to come, delivering lasting benefits for climate and wildlife in Somerset.” Ben Dart, Chief Operating Officer at Kent Wildlife Trust said: "Ironhurst Valley Nature Reserve represents exactly the kind of long-term, high-integrity investment that UK nature recovery urgently needs. “By partnering with Gatwick Airport, we're able to restore native habitats that will lock up carbon, strengthen biodiversity, and deliver lasting ecological benefits for Kent and beyond." Sarah Brownlie, Programme Director, Wilder Carbon said: “We are delighted to see GAL adopting the Wilder Carbon Standard for Nature and Climate for this important investment in UK nature recovery. By committing to high-integrity natural climate solutions, Gatwick is securing long-term carbon benefit while restoring diverse native habitats that strengthen biodiversity and ecosystem resilience.  “Early investment is critical; it unlocks the finance needed to establish projects now, so that verified climate and nature benefits are delivered over the decades ahead. “This partnership demonstrates how responsible organisations can decarbonise and address residual emissions while contributing meaningfully to nature recovery at scale.” As well helping to counter the emissions, the sites will provide long last ecological benefits. For example, the Ironhurst Valley site will be transformed from arable and pasture to a mix of species-rich grassland, a wet floodplain meadow, and mixed deciduous woodland.   This will not only achieve significant carbon removals, but also a large uplift in biodiversity and in soil health. London Gatwick is a member of  Sustainable Aviation - a coalition of UK airlines, airports, aerospace manufacturers, fuel producers and partners, all committed to delivering net zero carbon aviation. Earlier this year the coalition issued an  Advanced Market Signal related to greenhouse gas removals. The commitment will see Sustainable Aviation members invest more than £2 million to buy greenhouse gas removal (GGR) credits to support early development of the GGR market.  In its  2025 Sustainability Report GAL updated its progress towards its Decade of Change 2030 sustainability goals including becoming net zero for  Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.   aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31045.jpg Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/civil-aviation-bill-to-support-airspace-modernisation-and-enhance-safety.html The Civil Aviation Bill, now going through second reading and announced in the King’s Speech in May, will support the modernisation of UK airspace, enhance safety standards and give the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) new enforcement powers, including to fine the minority of airlines and airports that fail to deliver for passengers. Image courtesy Department for Transport Among the many changes, it means airlines and airports must properly compensate cancelled flights, assist disabled people to travel freely and support flyers through disruption – including with food and accommodation – or face stronger enforcement from the CAA. While UK aviation has a world-leading reputation, these transformative new laws go further by supporting the redesign of airspace rules to slash delays and make flights faster for passengers by reducing planes queuing to land. Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said: "Our new laws will modernise UK aviation, supporting the redesign of our airspace for faster, more efficient flights, while enhancing aviation safety standards and delivering greater passenger protections. "We’re proud of the strong, reliable experience our sector delivers day-in day-out for passengers and we are clear that no one should be let down when they travel. "That’s why we are giving the CAA new enforcement powers, including the ability to issue fines on the rare occasion airlines and airports don’t meet passenger rights obligations." The aviation industry provides reliable journeys for millions of passengers every year but the government is clear that when passengers are let down, airlines and airports must be held to account. New powers will allow the CAA to take swifter, stronger action when they identify airlines or airports that are not meeting their obligations, such as providing correct information regarding flight disruptions, or providing an accessible service for disabled passengers. The recently established UK Airspace Design Service (UK ADS) will be backed by new powers for government to deliver redesigned flight paths alongside industry. These new routes will slash delays for hard-working holidaymakers by creating faster, more efficient routes into airports. The Transport Secretary will also be handed new powers to reform rules around aircraft take-off and landing slots, paving the way for a wider review of the current system later this year to ensure it is fit for a modern, growing aviation sector. As UK airspace approaches 70 years since its original design, these changes are critical to accommodate growing passenger numbers and reduce avoidable delays. Without this reform, passengers could face delays increasing by 200% by 2040, which is why UK ADS has already begun redrawing London routes, with changes planned for the mid-2030s. This will mean quicker, more straightforward approaches into airports including Heathrow and Gatwick, driving down average noise emissions per flight and improving air quality for local communities. The CAA will also be given new powers to make faster, more efficient aviation safety rules, furthering the UK’s world-leading safety reputation. The powers will remove unnecessary red tape, making it easier for industry to react to international developments and emerging risks. These measures all feature in the Civil Aviation Bill, which is now going through second reading in Parliament, following inclusion in the King’s Speech on 13 May 2026. Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK CAA, said: "We welcome the government’s proposals set out in the Civil Aviation Bill to give the UK Civil Aviation Authority more flexible regulatory powers. "The ability to make technical safety rules would mean we can more quickly keep the UK aligned with international standards, improve the proportionality of those rules that already exist and better enable the growth of emerging sectors. In turn, this would support safety, growth and innovation in the sector. "A wider set of consumer rights enforcement powers would also mean we are better able to give consumers confidence in the sector if their rights are systematically not met. "Alongside the new powers to act, we welcome the new mechanisms to allow Parliament and government to hold us to account for their use. We are already enhancing our processes and governance mechanisms to make sure we can use any new powers as effectively as possible. Deeper sector engagement will be an essential part of this new framework." Karen Dee, Chief Executive of AirportsUK, said: "Aviation is a UK success story and we look forward to working with the government on this bill, particularly the provisions that will deliver faster, more resilient airspace, enabling this success to continue. "This will allow planes to fly better, more fuel efficient routes and reduce the environmental impacts on local communities that live in and around airports." Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK, said: "Air traveller satisfaction is at record highs, proof that airline competition and the UK’s dynamic aviation market work. We welcome legislation that helps regulators keep pace with our growing sector — particularly on driving vital airspace modernisation and safety. "But new rules must strike the right balance and deliver real consumer benefits; unnecessary burdens help no one. We look forward to shaping this legislation with government as it progresses through Parliament."   aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31046.jpg Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/jmi-achieves-honeywell-aerospace-channel-partner-status.html Oxford based Jet Maintenance International (JMI)has been awarded TFE731 Line Maintenance Plus and APU Line Authorised Channel Partner status by Honeywell Aerospace. Image courtesy JMI Operating from its base maintenance facility in Oxford, JMI - part of the Pula Aviation Services Group - will deliver expert field service support for Business and General Aviation customers operating TFE731 engines and Honeywell APU series, alongside comprehensive avionics services. The newly established Engine Field Service Team will be led by Engine Service Manager Gary Tims, who brings over 20 years of experience across Honeywell Aerospace engine and APU product lines. In addition to his role at JMI, Gary serves as Mechanical Vice Chair for the EMEAI Honeywell Aerospace Global Customer Committee, further strengthening JMI’s technical expertise and industry connectivity. “This expansion of our capabilities, alongside the appointment of Gary Tims, marks a significant milestone in JMI’s strategic growth,” said Ed Griffith, Managing Director of JMI. “It enables us to provide responsive, high-quality engine field service support to customers across EMEAI, whenever and wherever it is required, often at short notice.” JMI’s Engine Field Service Team will collaborate with third-party MROs and operators, supporting both Honeywell Aerospace’s Maintenance Service Plan (MSP) and non-MSP customers throughout the region. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31047.jpg Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/ads-reveals-surge-in-april-aircraft-orders.html According to the latest data from ADS - the trade association for the UK’s aerospace, defence, security and space industries - commercial aircraft orders surged in April 2026, reaching their highest level for this month, in a decade. Image by Fasttailwind / copyright Shutterstock ADS' data shows that a total of 164 aircraft orders were placed during the month, almost eight times higher than April 2025. The sharp increase was driven in part by a resurgence in widebody demand, with 94 orders recorded, representing an 840% rise on the same month last year. Aircraft deliveries also showed continued progress, with 115 aircraft delivered in April, up 13% year-on-year and the highest April delivery figure since 2015. This growth was led by single-aisle programmes, with 95 aircraft delivered during the month, reflecting ongoing efforts by manufacturers to increase narrowbody production rates. The data also highlights the sector’s resilience, with 733 aircraft orders placed in the first four months of 2026, more than one third higher than the same period last year.  The global aircraft backlog reached a new all-time high of 16,683 aircraft at the end of April, up 5% year-on-year. At current production rates, this represents approximately 12 years of work for the global aerospace industry and is estimated to be worth around £335 billion to £385 billion to the UK economy.  Yet despite this positive momentum, ADS continues not to issue a formal forecast for aircraft deliveries in 2026, reflecting ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic uncertainty facing the global aerospace sector. ADS stressed that if the industry is to continue building on this progress, global policy coordination, alongside continued support from governments and the business community, will remain crucial. ADS is the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with around 1,800 member businesses, of which more than 90% are SMEs.  For the full ADS economics briefing: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kvdLzHyrY1fxPY3yFLF6hea1dgqHHGz8/view aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31048.jpg Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/getac-launches-rugged-zx80w-and-zx80w-ex-tablets.html Getac today announced the expansion of its ZX80 range of eight inch fully rugged tablets with the launch of the new ZX80W and ZX80W-EX, which are two lightweight, highly mobile Windows 11 devices built on ARM architecture. Image courtesy Getac  With these launches, Getac is looking to meet the growing demand for power-efficient, fanless rugged solutions running the Windows 11 operating system (OS), that can be used in a wide range of industrial environments and scenarios, such as those found in the defence, security and transport & logistics sectors. ARM architecture The ZX80W and ZX80W-EX both utilise Qualcomm’s innovative QCS6490 platform, built on ARM architecture, which is renowned for its exceptional energy efficiency and high performance-per-watt. The result is a fast, fanless computing experience that enables users to work uninterrupted for long periods of time, even when operating in remote locations where access to device charging facilities is limited. Both devices also feature 12GB of inbuilt LPDDR5 memory for smooth multitasking, while 256GB of universal flash storage (UFS) provides ample capacity for on-device storage needs. The ZX80W highlights the transformative power of Windows on ARM in the rugged industry. Traditionally, delivering full Windows functionality in the field required larger, power-hungry processors. By leveraging ARM's exceptional thermal and energy efficiency, the ZX80W effortlessly runs Windows 11 IoT Enterprise LTSC in a remarkably compact, fanless chassis. The difference for customers is profound: it provides the robust security and app compatibility of a true Windows ecosystem but with the extreme lightweight agility and all-day battery life previously reserved for Android devices. AI-driven  The ZX80W and ZX80W-EX feature a sixth Generation Qualcomm AI Engine to unlock real-time intelligence at the edge. Their Qualcomm Hexagon NPU delivers high-speed recognition with real-time analytics and on-device automation designed to maximise productivity in demanding field environments, reducing cloud dependency for faster, more reliable processing when an internet connection is patchy or unavailable. This powerful edge functionality makes both devices ideally suited to a range of use cases including UAV flight control and predictive asset management (or hazardous environments with the ZX80W-EX) and electronic logging devices (ELDs) in transport and logistics. Like all Getac devices, the ZX80W and ZX80W-EX are built to be rugged and thrive in environments where many other devices would fail. Both devices are MIL-STD-810H and IP67 certified, vibration and six foot (1.8m) drop resistant, featuring a daylight-readable display and have a wide operating temperature range (ZX80W: -29 to +63 ˚C / -20 to +145 ˚F, ZX80W-EX: -21°C to 55°C / -5.8°F to 131°F). Despite all this, the ZX80W weighs just 590g, while the ZX80W-EX weighs 780g, making them incredibly lightweight for extended use in the field. In addition, the ZX80W-EX is also ATEX/IECEx Zone 2/22 certified for operator safety in hazardous and/or potentially explosive environments. Further intrinsically safe design features include 0.6mm thicker display glass for greater durability, an enhanced back cover for increased impact protection, secure port cover for the main docking connector and mylar seals on all exposed screw covers. Amanda Ward, EMEA Senior Director of Technology & Services, Getac, said: "Effective digital transformation requires extending the enterprise core directly into the field. The ZX80W series is engineered to support this vision. By delivering a compact eight inch form factor with the proven efficiency of Windows on ARM, we are helping organizations bridge the gap between traditional IT infrastructure and frontline operations. From standard fieldwork to hazardous environments, we are equipping our customers with a versatile tool that maximises mobility while upholding strict enterprise security and performance standards." ZX80W and ZX80W-EX will be available in July 2026. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31049.jpg Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/dsei-germany-adds-fourth-exhibition-hall.html The organisers of DSEI Germany have announced that, due to unprecedented industry demand, they will be opening a fourth exhibition hall ahead of its debut in March 2027. Above: DSEI UK 2025 show floor. Courtesy Clarion Events  DSEI Germany will be a major exhibition for defence and security in Germany, featuring defence manufacturers, industrial suppliers and emerging players from every level of the supply chain.  Taking place from 9th-12th March 2027 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds – Europe’s largest exhibition venue – the opening of another hall expands DSEI Germany’s indoor footprint to 100,000 square metres, alongside a further 25,000 square metres of outdoor display space, together covering an area equivalent to 18 football pitches.   The event taking place in Germany next year, comes at a pivotal moment for Europe’s defence, security and strategic autonomy. With Germany’s annual defence budget set to rise to €180 billion by 2030, the show aims to support Germany, Europe and NATO’s strategic priorities while creating opportunities for dialogue between military and political leadership and industry.   With nine months until the inaugural edition of DSEI Germany, exhibition space in the original three halls was at capacity. The expansion into a fourth hall will accommodate greater representation across Air & Space, Land, Naval and Cyber & Information.  The expansion also comes as the Federation of German Security and Defence Industries (BDSV) is confirmed as an industry partner. BDSV represents the collective interests of the German security and defence industries. The trade association supports over 400 companies and serves as a bridge between industry, the Federal Ministry of Defence, Bundeswehr, policymakers, institutions and media. Bernd Kögel, Managing Director of DSEI Germany, said: “DSEI Germany’s decision to open an additional exhibition hall follows unprecedented demand from industry for a German defence and security exhibition that showcases military capability, industrial innovation, digital technologies and new market entrants on an international stage. “DSEI Germany aims to support NATO’s European members achieve greater independence in their ability to deter and if necessary, defeat, an adversary. The response from industry is a clear sign of confidence in Europe’s defence and security sectors and the continent’s ability to scale up its industrial capacity and capability development”.  DSEI Germany will be held in partnership with the Deutsche Messe AG, 9th-12th March 2027, at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds. defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31050.jpg Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/advanced-underwater-tech-to-be-developed-for-aukus-forces.html Pioneering technologies deployed from uncrewed underwater vessels were announced by AUKUS Defence Ministers at a meeting in Singapore last weekend. which pushed forward progress in the trilateral security partnership between Australia, the UK and US. Image courtesy MoD The joint development of transformational tech is the first signature project to be announced under Pillar 2 of the partnership, with the first capabilities expected in service next year. Under AUKUS, Pillar 1 focuses on Australia’s acquisition of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, while Pillar 2 pools the talents of each nations’ defence sector to develop advanced military capabilities to support security around the world. Announced by Defence Secretary John Healey MP alongside US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles in Singapore, the new project will see AUKUS partners ‘step on the accelerator’ for Pillar 2 of the programme to develop, produce and deploy cutting-edge technologies carried by uncrewed underwater vessels (UUV). The work shows how AUKUS partners are collaborating to rapidly develop groundbreaking maritime capabilities to boost warfighting readiness. This work will support the development of payloads, such as sensors and weapons systems, that can be deployed across all three nations’ UUV fleets, increasing collective strength and deterrence across the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic. This project will provide opportunities for UK industry in furthering work on underwater capabilities, supporting good jobs and growth across the nation. Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: "AUKUS is delivering for our security and for our economy. Together we are announcing ground-breaking underwater capabilities that will keep Britain safe, backing British businesses that are driving growth, and standing shoulder to shoulder with our closest allies. This is what modern defence looks like. We’re stepping on the accelerator to develop cutting-edge tech to boost our collective deterrence and support our shared security." The first capabilities are expected to be in service by 2027 and will help drive the Royal Navy’s transition to a Hybrid Navy - a more flexible, modern force that blends crewed and uncrewed platforms. The payloads will allow the Royal Navy to detect underwater threats to the UK and allies’ critical undersea infrastructure. The Royal Navy will be able to integrate payloads from the US and Australia, meaning a more effective and lethal force. The tech will be used to reinforce the future SSN-AUKUS attack submarine fleet. Defence Secretary John Healey also announced the winners of the 2025 AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge. The challenge is the second iteration of AUKUS Pillar 2’s Innovation Challenge Series and sought companies innovating which enable the command, control and teaming of undersea systems. Three of the four winning suppliers are UK based: Decision Analysis Services Ltd., an SME based in Basingstoke SEA Ltd., a large enterprise based in Frome A-2i, a micro-consultancy based in Dorchester, Dorset MSI Transducers, a large enterprise based near Boston, USA The winners show the breadth and diversity of innovation across AUKUS innovation: three UK and one US company, one SME, two large suppliers and one micro-consultancy. Each company will receive a share of £3 million in funding to develop and test their capabilities. This investment in three British companies demonstrates how defence is driving economic growth across the UK, creating skilled jobs and opportunities for companies of all sizes. The UK Government is committed to backing SMEs and scalable business. The AUKUS Defence Ministers also announced progress in establishing Submarine Rotational Force-West, which will see a rotational presence of UK and US nuclear-powered submarines at HMAS Stirling in Australia. The first rotation of a nuclear-powered US submarine to HMAS Stirling is expected in 2027, to be followed by a UK Astute Class submarine. This follows the first successful submarine maintenance period (SMP) conducted on a UK Astute class submarine at HMAS Stirling earlier this year. The announcements are the latest in a series of significant milestones delivered under AUKUS, building on the Geelong Treaty signed in July 2025, which established the framework for the deepest level of bilateral UK-Australian defence cooperation in generations. The AUKUS partnership is backed by the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, hitting 2.6% of GDP from 2027. defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31051.jpg Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/nats-dronecloud-and-network-rail-complete-cni-drone-trial.html NATS, DroneCloud and Network Rail have completed a major project exploring how drones could be safely used at scale around Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), including for rail inspections and incident response. Image courtesy NATS Project SOCNI, ‘Scaling BVLOS Operations for Critical National Infrastructure’, brought together partners from aviation, drone technology, rail infrastructure and policing to test how beyond visual line of sight drone operations could be safely supported in complex environments. The consortium, led by DroneCloud, included NATS, Network Rail, Transport for Wales, RUAS and British Transport Police. Beyond visual line of sight operations, where drones fly beyond the direct sight of the pilot, are seen as critical to unlocking the full potential of drones for infrastructure operators and emergency responders. Enabling those flights safely and at scale, however, will require new forms of safety mitigations and digital coordination between flights. Focused on a real-world rail environment, Project SOCNI tested how multiple operators could coexist safely in the same piece of airspace by ensuring they all had access to the same information and followed a clear prioritisation model. The live demonstration, which used real aircraft and simulated real-world scenarios, will result in a new concept of operations to support the transition from segregated to shared airspace. For NATS, the project provided an opportunity to demonstrate its OpenAir concept in a practical operational setting. OpenAir is being developed to support the safe integration of new airspace users by enabling data sharing and digital coordination between operators. “Project SOCNI has given us a valuable opportunity to test OpenAir in a real-world critical national infrastructure environment”, said Andy Sage, Director of Safety Transformation at NATS. “BVLOS drone operations have the potential to deliver real benefits for infrastructure owners, emergency responders and the wider public, but they need to be integrated into the airspace network safely and in a way that can scale. “This project has helped us to better understand how digital services can support airspace integration, and the learnings will be important as we continue to develop OpenAir.” Jan Domaradzki, Co-founder of DroneCloud, said: “Project SOCNI has shown the value of bringing together the right partners to test how BVLOS operations can be delivered safely in complex environments. “Working with NATS and the wider consortium has allowed us to explore not only the technology required, but also the operational processes and safety considerations needed to support future deployment at scale.” The outcomes from SOCNI will now support the continued development of OpenAir, which will undergo further demonstrations throughout this year and inform wider industry work on the safe integration of drones and other new airspace users. The project was supported through the UK Research and Innovation Future Flight programme, which funds projects that aim to advance the next generation of aviation systems and services in the UK. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31052.jpg Wed, 3 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/sam-ni-completes-10m-facility-expansion.html 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. Above: Representatives of ADS (NI), Invest Northern Ireland, Boeing and Airbus alongside dFM, Emma Little-Pengelly are Adam Hylands, Business Development Manager and Joel Best Operations Director. (LtoR) Helen Coyle Invest Northern Ireland, Donna Hamilton, Boeing, Joesph Reffitt, ADS NI, Deborah Walls, Airbus, Adam Hylands SAM NI, Emma Little-Pengelly dFM, Joel Best, SAM NI, Deborah Walls Airbus, Kevin Brien ADS (NI) and Jamie McCloskey Invest Northern Ireland. Courtesy SAM NI      The new 25,000 sq ft facility brings the site's total manufacturing footprint to 68,000 sq ft and significantly enhances SAM NI's machining, inspection and subassembly capabilities. It represents the company's most significant single investment to date and positions SAM NI to meet the accelerating demand from its global customer base, which includes Airbus, Boeing, Collins Aerospace and Safran Nacelles.   Founded in 1984, the company which is now part of the Singapore-headquartered Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing (SAM) Group, has undergone rapid transformation since 2021. The company has grown its workforce to 90 people and made sustained investment in advanced manufacturing technology to keep pace with rising international demand.   With sales forecast reported to grow significantly over the next 18 months and into 2028, the new facility underpins SAM NI's capacity to scale operations, accelerate delivery and continue developing the advanced manufacturing skills that set it apart in a highly competitive global sector.   According to Operations Director, Joel Best, the opening of this new extension supported by Invest Northern Ireland, signals a step change for the company. He said: “This is a key moment for SAM NI and reflects not only the strength of our team and business, but the continued confidence our international customers have in our specialist engineering capabilities.”    “Since 2021, we have expanded rapidly, growing our team to 90 staff, and making constant investment in advanced manufacturing technology to support increasing global demand.    “This new facility gives us the capacity and capability to support that demand, deliver greater value to our customers, and continue developing the advanced manufacturing technologies and skills that will define our next chapter.”   The opening of the new extension was marked by a visit from Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, alongside industry representatives and global customers, who toured the new facility and met with the SAM NI team.   Emma Little-Pengelly, deputy First Minister, welcomed the investment, commenting: “The opening of SAM NI’s new facility is testament to the company’s excellent reputation in the sector and the key role that Northern Ireland plays in the global aerospace industry.    “The creation of highly skilled jobs, alongside the expansion of the company’s capabilities is hugely positive for the local economy. This fully demonstrates the essential role that companies like SAM NI play in driving growth, innovation and skills development.    “I was delighted to visit the facility and see first-hand the stellar work of the team.”    Brendan McGuigan, Director of Advanced Manufacturing & Engineering and Life Sciences Invest Northern Ireland added: “With demand for advanced aerospace manufacturing continuing to rise, SAM NI’s latest investment further establishes the company as a key strategic manufacturing partner within the aerospace sector and demonstrates its long-term commitment to innovation, operational excellence and regional economic development.”   Joseph Reffitt, Director of ADS Northern Ireland said: "We are delighted to welcome this investment by SAM NI, reflective of the significant strength of Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing sector. The expansion of local businesses sends a clear signal to the global industry that this Northern Ireland is open, capable and ready to deliver in an increasingly competitive global market place.”    SAM NI is currently recruiting for a number of roles across the following areas: CNC machining and programming, fabrication and assembly, quality assurance and inspection, engineering and production management, apprenticeships and trainee roles and office support staff.    The company is also exhibiting at the upcoming Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from 20th – 24th July.    SAM NI is a specialist precision engineering company based in Portadown, Northern Ireland, manufacturing high-precision aerospace components and assemblies for global aerospace OEMs including Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Safran and Airbus. Founded in 1984, the company is part of the Singapore Aerospace Manufacturing (SAM) Group and employs 90 people across a 68,000 sq ft manufacturing facility. SAM NI is accredited to the highest international aerospace standards and is committed to continuous investment in advanced manufacturing technology and skills development. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31037.jpg Tue, 2 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/qinetiq-supports-hms-anson-deployment.html QinetiQ supported HMS Anson’s recent, routine Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP) in Australia, using additive manufacturing to deliver replacement parts in just four weeks - much quicker than the months or years it usually takes. Image courtesy QinetiQ QinetiQ supported HMS Anson’s recent, routine Submarine Maintenance Period (SMP) in Australia, using additive manufacturing to deliver replacement parts in just four weeks - much quicker than the months or years it usually takes. QinetiQ rapidly designed the required parts, many of which were produced locally by additive manufacturing SMEs in Perth, WA, with the remainder being produced on the East coast and by QinetiQ Australia. While QinetiQ is a longstanding strategic partner to the UK’s Submarine Delivery Group, this is the first time that the Royal Navy has used advanced manufacturing to produce submarine components to support a routine SMP in Australia. This achievement represents a critical milestone on the road to enabling Submarine Rotational Force - West, a key part of AUKUS Pillar 1. Using its global presence, QinetiQ was able to reverse engineer the required parts in the UK, before securely transferring the technical data to QinetiQ Australia, who worked with local suppliers to manufacture the components. After approval by the Submarine Delivery Group Additive Manufacturing Team, the parts were then delivered to the crew of HMS Anson who installed the components during the maintenance period, at HMAS Stirling. Corry Neale, Chief Executive, QinetiQ Australia, said: “QinetiQ’s global reach and established local engineering capability enabled us to move quickly to support HMS Anson in Australia.” “We will continue to support AUKUS Pillar 1 activities and provide opportunities to Australian companies to be part of this internationally significant, complex supply chain.”   defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31038.jpg Tue, 2 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/aurora-avionics-secures-tasa-rocket-contract.html Scottish space technology company Aurora Avionics has secured its first customer in the Asia-Pacific region after signing an agreement with the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA). Above: The Aurora Avionics team. Courtesy Aurora Avionics The deal will see Edinburgh-based Aurora Avionics supply avionics technology to support TASA’s ongoing sounding rocket development, with Aurora’s modular systems initially being deployed as part of a testing and evaluation phase.   Successful delivery is expected to create opportunities for further orders and longer-term collaboration between the two organisations and signals a growing international demand for Scotland’s space sector expertise.   Aurora Avionics develops advanced avionics systems, effectively the nervous system of a rocket, which act as the electronic control and communications backbone for spacecraft operating in extreme environments.   Its modular avionics systems are designed to help reduce cost and complexity for launch providers, supporting faster and more accessible routes to space across a range of mission types.   Myles Bax, Commercial Lead at Aurora Avionics, said the agreement reflected increasing international interest in specialist Scottish space technology expertise.   He said: “Signing our first Asia-Pacific customer is a major milestone for the business and an important moment for us as we continue to grow internationally.   “The work with TASA demonstrates there is strong global demand for reliable, adaptable avionics systems developed here in Scotland. We see significant opportunity across the Asia-Pacific region as we continue to scale the business.   “Taiwan is making major long-term investments in strategic technologies and space capability, so it is an incredibly exciting market for us to enter. There is a strong alignment between the type of advanced engineering expertise being developed there and the specialist avionics systems we are building at Aurora Avionics.”   The agreement with TASA comes at a time of significant investment in Taiwan’s space sector. TASA, which was formally restructured in 2023, is leading the country’s civilian satellite and launch vehicle development programme, with ambitions spanning low Earth orbit communications, remote sensing technologies and long-term autonomous launch capabilities.   Taiwan’s wider national strategy is focused on strengthening its global position across advanced technologies including semiconductors, information technology and precision manufacturing, with long-term investment in space infrastructure forming part of that ambition.   Industry analysts have identified the region as a growing opportunity for deep technology and aerospace businesses looking to expand internationally and Aurora Avionics deep tech expertise and specialist avionics capability are well aligned with the needs of the rapidly growing market. Above: (left to right) Rowland Fraser and Oren Smith-Carpenter, co-founders of Aurora Avionics. Courtesy Aurora Avionics   Oren Smith-Carpenter, co-founder of Aurora Avionics, said the partnership had been a key target for the company.   He said: “TASA has been an organisation we have wanted to work with for some time. Their team is highly respected internationally, and the projects they are developing are incredibly exciting.   “We have focused on building avionics systems that combine reliability, flexibility and performance in demanding operating environments. That approach is resonating with launch companies and space agencies internationally, and this agreement is an important next step for the business.”   The deal adds an Asia-Pacific dimension to Aurora Avionics’ customer base, which until now has primarily focused on Europe. Scotland’s space sector has increasingly been recognised as a leading European hub for satellite and launch technology, with Scottish companies now looking beyond Europe for future growth opportunities.   Since launching in 2023, Aurora Avionics has signed commercial deals with leading European launch vehicle and spacecraft developers including ATMOS Space Cargo and Pangea Propulson. Above: Taiwan Space Agency aims to launch an orbital rocket by 2034. The image shows a 12 scale model displayed at a TASTI event in December 2024. Courtesy TASA With the TASA agreement now in place, Aurora Avionics sees significant long-term potential across the Asia-Pacific region as demand grows for specialist deep technology expertise within the global space sector. space http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31039.jpg Tue, 2 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/drones-help-restore-peak-district-ravine-woodlands.html 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. Image courtesy Natural England The trial, believed to be one of the first of its kind in a steep, compact ravine woodland setting, used specially designed drones to spread a mix of native tree seeds across a 0.75-hectare plot at Dovedale and a similar area at Lathkill Dale. The seeds, including field maple, wych elm, alder, small-leaved lime, birch, rowan, yew, goat willow, crab apple and holly, have been carefully selected from the project planting palette for ravine woodland restoration. The steep, rocky sides of Dovedale and Lathkill Dale present a major challenge for conservation teams. While traditional tree planting and seeding has been carried out across the Peak District Dales as part of the wider project, and by the teams at Natural England and the National Trust, some slopes are simply too dangerous or difficult to work on by hand. Drones offer a potentially safe, efficient and cost-effective alternative, mimicking the natural way seeds would disperse if mature trees were already present. Although Quadrotor Services Ltd. have been successfully using drones for reforestation in open upland landscapes such as the Scottish Highlands, this trial represents a significant step into new territory, applying the technology to steep, confined woodland ravines. Martin Evans, Woodland Restoration Manager at Natural England, said: "The ravine woodlands of the Peak District Dales are among the most precious and challenging habitats we work in. Ash dieback has created an urgent need to act but the sheer steepness of these slopes means we must think creatively about how we restore them. "This drone trial is an exciting step forward. By testing what technology can achieve in places our teams simply cannot safely reach, we hope to unlock new tools to support woodland recovery at scale. "Every seed that takes root is a step towards healthier, more resilient woodlands for the future." Adam Linnet, Lead Ranger at the National Trust in the White Peak, said: "This trial will help us to explore new techniques and technology to work at the pace and scale needed to help the woodlands in the area recover and thrive again. "The trees in the steep sided ravines in and around the National Nature Reserve at Dovedale support wildlife, store carbon, stabilise the ground, prevent erosion and flooding and make the area look beautiful throughout the seasons. "The technology used in this trial mimics natural seed dispersal so we are hopeful it could provide a solution to help trees establish in harder to reach areas, creating healthier and more resilient woodlands." Kevin Gornall, Director at Quadrotor Services Ltd, said: "Our primary focus was ensuring precise seed dispersal that could successfully penetrate the existing tree canopy to reach the woodland floor below. "After months of collaborative planning, working alongside the dedicated team from the project, we were thrilled to demonstrate how this technology could provide a safe solution for restoring these inaccessible habitats at the same time as gathering vital real-world data that will help shape the future of conservation. "The success of the trial will be carefully monitored. Trays have been placed within and around the seeding areas to check accuracy of seed dispersal, and one-metre-square monitoring plots will be established both inside and outside the seeded areas." These will be visited several times a year to track germination rates and sapling survival, with control plots outside the seeding areas providing a comparison. The trial will also help assess whether drone seeding is cost-effective compared with traditional planting and seeding methods. This innovative trial forms part of the broader 'LIFE in the Ravines' project, which has already seen over 100,000 trees planted across the Peak District Dales to combat ash dieback. Together, Natural England and its partners are building diverse, resilient woodlands that will protect this rare habitat for generations to come. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31040.jpg Tue, 2 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/surrey-space-institute-appoints-dr-paul-bate-as-a-professor-in-practice.html The former CEO of the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate, is joining the University of Surrey as a Professor in Practice and will support the newly established Surrey Space Institute to develop international partnerships. Image courtesy Surrey Space Institute  Dr Paul Bate (above) led the UK Space Agency for more than four years, stepping down earlier this year when the Agency moved into the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). He led two successful delegations to the European Space Agency Council of Ministers and built bilateral relationships around the world to collaborate on technological developments, space science, exploration and regulatory alignment. Paul has a track record of ensuring that the UK plays an active role in shaping global space activity, having chaired the global Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) and as a member of His Majesty the King’s Astra Carta Advisory Council.  Professor Adam Amara, Founding Director of the Surrey Space Institute, said: “Paul’s track record of leading international delegations, securing investment and building strong relationships around the world makes him ideally suited to support the Space Institute. He shares our ambitions for ensuring Surrey plays a leading role in convening organisations globally, bringing them together to deliver the skilled workers, missions and space science which will support stronger economies and sovereign capabilities, here in the UK and abroad.”   Paul will work alongside Professor Amara, Professor in Practice Doug Liddle (who is also Chair of the sector trade body, UKspace) and Dr Louise Butt, who joined from Space South Central in April as Head of Operations.   Professor Paul Bate said of his appointment: “Surrey Space Institute is forging collaborations across disciplines and partnerships across continents. Building this global partner network, with mutual expertise and aligned values, will enable teams, institutions and states to go further and faster in bringing the benefits of space to communities on Earth.   “Surrey’s international reputation, its mission and training credentials, and its legacy of supporting other countries’ space agencies make it well placed to convene global partners. We will bring together industry, governments and researchers while maintaining an agility which delivers on the promise of space.”    The Surrey Space Institute aims to build on the University’s success in growing space engineering and satellite communications skills through its degrees and short courses, including master's courses, continuous professional development for industry professionals and hands-on training for young people. It will also develop space capabilities and new technologies, delivering robust economic growth and societal benefit here on Earth.   The Institute will work with its partners to conceive and operate space missions – combining hardware, software, policy and operations to tackle problems on this planet as well as in deep space. Its research will focus on three areas: managing water and climate on Earth, strengthening space systems such as satellite communications and cybersecurity, and developing the engineering, physiological, legal and economic governance solutions needed to deliver deep space exploration, operation and settlement.   The UK space sector has a proud heritage – and Surrey has been at the heart of it, helping to drive the small satellite revolution that proved space could be accessible, not just the preserve of superpowers. The Surrey Space Institute will take that further – forging industry partnerships, opening up space sector facilities to small businesses, and equipping the next generation with mission-ready skills through hands-on research opportunities and specialist Continuing Professional Development programmes.    space http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31041.jpg Tue, 2 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/airbus-a350-1000ulr-completes-first-test-flight.html The world's longest-range aircraft, the A350-1000ULR (MSN 707) and the first of 12 aircraft ordered by Qantas, has completed its first flight in Toulouse, France. Above: First flight of the Qantas A350-1000ULR (MSN 707). © Airbus SAS 2026 The aircraft, fitted with special flight test instrumentation, flew for three hours 43 minutes reaching an altitude of slightly above 41,000 feet. The aircraft was flown by a dedicated Airbus Flight Test crew. The A350-1000ULR is being developed for Qantas Airways to enable non-stop flights between Sydney and London for the first time ever - a distance of almost 10,000 nautical miles, with flight times of up to 22 hours. This is made possible primarily by the integration into the aircraft structure of an additional rear centre tank (RCT), enhancing further the aircraft performance and increasing the range of the aircraft by 1,000 nautical miles. During the first flight the crew carried out general aircraft performance checks and tested the new fuel system architecture. This marks the start of a two month flight test campaign to certify the modifications. In addition, a new galley air cooling system will also be certified, which features lighter and more efficient refrigeration units for very long flights. The ventilation and temperature control of the cabin will also be thoroughly tested. Following the flight test campaign, MSN 707 will be retrofitted to Qantas’ commercial specifications. The second A350-1000ULR to be produced for Qantas and the first scheduled to be delivered to the airline in April 2027, is now at an advanced stage of final assembly and ready to roll out of the paint shop in the coming days. This will be followed by completion of the premium four class cabin layout and engine installation.  The A350-1000ULR is the fourth passenger variant of the best-selling A350 Family, joining the A350-900, A350-900ULR and the A350-1000. Together, the aircraft have set new standards in long haul air travel, with a step-change reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions, and new levels of passenger comfort.  The passenger line-up will soon be joined by the all-new A350F freighter, also currently under development at Airbus, with first flight planned later this year. At the end of April 2026, the A350 Family had won 1,579 orders from 68 customers, with over 700 aircraft flying with 41 operators, primarily on long haul services across the globe. Qantas has ordered 12 A350-1000ULRs under Project Sunrise, designed to overcome one of the last frontiers in non-stop travel from Australia. In addition the carrier also has 12 standard A350-1000s on order for future operation across its long haul network. The aircraft was flown by Experimental Test Pilots Thomas Wilhelm and Anthony Flynn, together with Test Flight Engineer Laurent Rossignol. In addition, Lead Flight Test Engineers Tuan Do and Alexia Plumet were onboard, as well as Ground Test Engineer Vincent Frayssinet.   aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31042.jpg Tue, 2 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/greater-protection-given-for-whistleblowing-to-the-sia.html The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has today been given prescribed person status under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (PIDA), following the commencement of a Statutory Instrument that was laid before Parliament on 1st May 2026. Image courtesy SIA  The change means that workers who report wrongdoing in the private security industry to the SIA have greater legal protection if they face unfair treatment or dismissal because they make a disclosure to the SIA. Protected disclosures can cover a range of wrongdoing reported by workers, including reporting unlicensed security, suspected fraudulent activity and other criminal offences, as well as other non-compliance and risks to public safety. Workers might make a disclosure to the SIA anonymously or confidentially under these new powers. Workers wishing to report concerns can read the SIA’s new whistleblowing guidance on what prescribed person status means for them and how to make a disclosure to us. The SIA has consulted with and has the support of, Protect, the UK’s whistleblowing charity, about these changes and how to best to ensure whistleblowers feel confident in making disclosures to the SIA. Michelle Russell, SIA Chief Executive said: "All those who work in private security should feel confident that when they speak up to raise concerns, they are heard and supported. We expect security companies to create an environment where concerns can be raised openly, looked into fairly and issues addressed promptly. "The SIA cannot carry out its role effectively as the security regulator without the help of people prepared to call out wrongdoing and step forward to provide us with details of what they have seen. Today’s changes mean workers are, quite rightly, protected in law when making whistleblowing disclosures to the SIA. "By supporting those who speak up, collectively the SIA, employers and those in the private security industry will root out criminality, improve standards and ultimately strengthen public trust in private security and those who work to protect the public and premises across the UK." David Ward MBE, Founder of City Security Council said: "This is a significant and very welcome step forward for the private security industry, and one I am particularly pleased to see following earlier engagement with the SIA on this issue on behalf of City Security Council. For some time, there has been a clear gap in providing frontline officers and industry professionals with a trusted, protected route to raise concerns directly with their regulator. "The SIA achieving prescribed person status under the PIDA sends a strong and necessary signal that speaking up is not only supported but fundamental to raising standards, addressing malpractice, and protecting the public." The SIA’s prescribed status currently covers its work as the regulator of the private security industry. Whistleblowing under Martyn’s Law is planned to be included in the SIA’s prescribed person status when the new law is implemented, expected to be in Spring 2027. Read the SIA’s whistleblowing guidance on this change to understand more. security http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31044.jpg Tue, 2 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/jet-connectivity-joins-nato-diana-mission-track-programme.html The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, Luke Pollard MP, has congratulated JET Connectivity for being one of just five companies globally and the only UK based firm to have been awarded a place on the elite NATO DIANA Mission Track programme. Above: (left to right) James Thomas - CEO and Founder, JET Connectivity, Alex Baker - MP for Aldershot and Farnborough and Dave Happy MBE, Non-Executive Director, JET Connectivity. Courtesy JET Connectivity The company, based in Farnborough, Hampshire, has been chosen from more than 3,600 applicants who applied to the first phase of the accelerator programme in January this year. They will receive funding and a further commitment of support from the international DIANA programme and its delivery partners. Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry Luke Pollard MP said: “This is fantastic recognition of British innovation at its best. This is exactly the kind of cutting-edge capability that NATO needs and I’m proud to see a British company leading the way. The UK’s commitment to defence innovation is unwavering. JET Connectivity’s achievement demonstrates British technology is at the forefront of keeping our Alliance safe.” James Thomas, company founder and CEO of JET Connectivity said: “JET Connectivity has surged forward in capability thanks, in no small part, to the support from the VTT Dual-Use Launchpad in Finland and the funding, mentoring and networking provided through NATO’s DIANA programme.” Alex Baker MP, Member of Parliament for Aldershot and Farnborough, Member of the Defence Select Committee, Chair of APPG Nepal said: “What an achievement for Farnborough based JET Connectivity to be chosen as one of just five companies from more than 3,600 applicants, especially as the only UK Sovereign supplier chosen. Farnborough has always played a vital role in our country’s security. JET’s success continues that proud local story, while showing why we must back UK dual-use technology businesses to scale, compete and strengthen our national security.” JET’s CCO, Nicolas Calvelo Santos said: “Visiting Finland to engage with the 5G/ 6G test centre and working with mentors across NATO and the FDF has propelled our roadmap development and use case validation. Our advanced communications platform is now seen as a pivotal ingredient to add to NATO's partners capabilities - we’d encourage other ambitious companies to explore the challenges and see if they could have something to offer.” The DIANA programme provides a number of opportunities, including access to the Rapid Adoption Service, a procurement mechanism which cuts red tape for NATO nations to buy emerging technologies and a key enabler for rapid innovation. NATO DIANA Manager Jyoti Hirani-Driver, said: “NATO DIANA’s Mission Track is where innovation moves from promise to capability, helping innovators go the extra mile towards adoption. The five companies selected for Mission Track have demonstrated outstanding potential with their groundbreaking defence tech and reaching this stage is a significant achievement. We are excited to see what they do next.”  JET will demonstrate their technology at the DIANA demo days taking place in the UK on 11th June and at Eurosatory in Paris, 15th-16th June. defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31033.jpg Mon, 1 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/thompson-showcases-vantagexl-for-discover-airlines-at-red-cabin-summit.html 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. Image courtesy Thompson The VantageXL, which is customised for Discover Airlines, will be physically available in all its Ocean Blue incarnation. All the VantageXL business class seats for Discover Airlines feature a fully flat bed of two meters in length. There is also a business class suite in the front central column, featuring closeable doors, an even larger fully flat bed and a 32” monitor. A droppable privacy divider and joining tables for shared dining offer an unforgettable sociable experience. Delegates at the Red Cabin Summit will be able to see and feel the well-appointed finishing touches that give the seats an air of great sophistication – such as the accented leather buckle cover on the seat belt, wireless charger, recessed cocktail tray and logoed features. Only founded in 2021, having its first fully customised cabin is a huge milestone for Discover Airlines, which enables them to really define their branding.   Gareth Jones, Senior Programme Manager for Thompson Aero Seating, said: “Discover Airlines announced its Ocean Blue cabin earlier this year but this is the first time that anyone will have seen and been able to fully experience the seats in person. It is only in this way that they will be able to truly understand the understated luxury and quiet sophistication of the customisation.”  There will be 16 ship sets in total, with 30 PAX each – 28 business class and the business suite in the centre double. FAI is due in October 2026 with the first ship set being delivered in December 2026, followed by one per month from then on. Retrofitting of the seating will begin in January 2027.  Gareth Jones said: “These 16 aircraft represent 100% of the entire long-haul fleet for Discover Airlines. They have big ambitions and we are delighted to be able to support them at this early stage in their growth and success.” aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31034.jpg Mon, 1 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/thales-awarded-mod-contract-for-lmms.html The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed new contracts with Thales in the UK to supply hundreds more Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMMs) to the British Armed Forces, reinforcing UK stockpiles and protection of British personnel in the Middle East and beyond. Courtesy Thales Deliveries will begin in the coming months and continue throughout 2026, ensuring the Armed Forces remain equipped to counter aerial threats. The contracts support around 700 highly skilled jobs at Thales in Belfast, where the missiles are designed and manufactured. This Government is backing UK defence industry – supporting jobs while boosting national security and resilience. The latest contract, placed by the National Armaments Director Group in May, follows an additional order for the battle-proven Lightweight Multirole Missiles in April. Lightweight Multirole Missiles have already proven highly effective on operations. They have played a key role in defeating drone attacks in the Middle East, with more than 100 drones shot down using the missiles, including by RAF Regiment gunners using the Rapid Sentry air defence kit. Defence Secretary, John Healey MP, said: "Our UK defence industry is the backbone of our Armed Forces. This is our new partnership with industry in action. "We’re getting UK-built kit into the hands of our forces faster as we support good skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK. These interceptor missiles are battle-proven – successfully used in action by our RAF sharp shooters over recent months.   "With these LMMs, our dedicated Armed Forces will continue to keep the UK and our partners more secure in the Middle East and beyond." The missiles are also deployed on Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters, helping defend British people, bases and allies from UK bases in Cyprus. This investment forms part of wider work by the Ministry of Defence and National Armaments Director Group to increase resilience in munitions supply chains and ensure the UK can sustain operations alongside allies. defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31035.jpg Mon, 1 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/omnisense-and-42t-partner-on-resilient-drone-landing-system.html 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. Above: Reinhart Paelinck, CEO and founder of Kiteswarms Ltd preparing a drone for the DroneHome field trials that took place at Wrafton, Devon, UK.  Credit: Omnisense The system uses a ground-based Ultra-Wideband (UWB) positioning technology and has been developed by Omnisense through its European Space Agency-supported DroneHome programme.   Autonomous landing is one of the most safety-critical phases of any drone mission and is particularly challenging when a device’s satellite navigation system is impaired due to signal obstruction, reflection, or interference. For example, when operating near tall buildings, in busy ports, or inside tunnels.   The DroneHome programme has shown how terrestrial radio positioning can function as a complementary navigation layer within the overall navigation system, so a drone’s position remains stable and predictable even in GNSS-challenged environments where satellite signals are degraded or even absent. In practice, this means autonomous systems can maintain controlled behaviour instead of experiencing sudden navigation failures.   One of the key technical challenges was extending the operational range of UWB positioning to make it viable for autonomous landing and 42T worked closely with Omnisense to design and develop the extended-range RF hardware used in both the ground infrastructure and airborne elements of the system. The front-end design incorporates a UWB system-on-chip with low noise amplification, power amplification, switching, and antenna integration to deliver the required range and performance.   Field trials and simulation-based analysis confirmed that the system maintained stable positioning within a defined envelope during GNSS-degraded operation, enabling reliable autonomous approach and landing.   “We were delighted to support Omnisense in delivering its ground-breaking DroneHome project. GNSS underpins many of today’s critical systems, so developing a terrestrial positioning technology for more reliable autonomous operations in challenging environments is a major advance for drone safety,” said Paul Bearpark, Head of Electronics and Software of 42 Technology.   “DroneHome demonstrates that terrestrial radio positioning can provide a reliable and predictable navigation layer when GNSS signals cannot be relied upon,” said Andy Thurman, CEO of Omnisense. “This is an important milestone in building more resilient autonomous systems that can maintain safe operation in real-world conditions.”   The results from Omnisense’s DroneHome programme are directly relevant across a wide range of applications, including airborne, terrestrial and maritime operations, infrastructure inspection, and autonomous systems operating in GNSS-challenged environments.   Omnisense is now working with partners to explore deployment of this capability within operational systems, with the aim of integrating it into next-generation navigation architectures and autonomous platforms. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31036.jpg Mon, 1 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/babcock-and-truflo-marine-pilot-to-support-aukus.html Babcock is to lead a UK pilot initiative with Truflo Marine to demonstrate how allied submarine sustainment supply chains can be mobilised more quickly across the UK and Australia to strengthen capacity, support operational availability and build long-term industrial resilience in support of AUKUS and Submarine Rotational Force – West. Above: The pilot initiative was announced at the Combined Naval Event 2026. Courtesy Babcock The first programme in the pilot will see selected low-complexity submarine valve components manufactured at Truflo Marine’s Century Engineering facility in Adelaide, with UK engineering oversight, quality assurance and validation activity taking place over the next 18 months, enabling subsequent integration to support sustainment of the UK Astute-class submarine fleet. The Babcock-led initiative will demonstrate how qualified Australian suppliers can now be integrated into a globally connected submarine sustainment ecosystem, not only delivering operational benefits today but enabling Australian-manufactured components to be qualified for entry into future UK Royal Navy sustainment supply chains. Century Engineering was recently the first Australian business to secure US export contracts through the Australian Submarine Supplier Qualification (AUSSQ) programme led by H&B Defence. This initiative broadens Century Engineering’s role to include active UK sustainment opportunity. The collaboration supports three strategic objectives across the AUKUS enterprise: expanding allied supply chain capacity, developing in-region industrial capability, and strengthening a resilient, globally connected submarine industrial base across the UK, Australia and the United States under AUKUS. Babcock Director of Growth and Strategic Procurement, Nuclear, David Tytherleigh said: “By combining Australian manufacturing with UK engineering assurance, Babcock and Truflo Marine are supporting the development of a resilient and globally connected submarine sustainment ecosystem capable of supporting both current operational demands and future allied capability requirements.” Mike Semens‑Flanagan, Managing Director, Truflo Marine, said: “Through this collaboration with Babcock, we are demonstrating how Truflo Marine’s flow control expertise, combined with our expanding manufacturing capability in Australia, can support a more responsive and resilient submarine sustainment supply chain. By aligning proven UK engineering standards with Australian-based production, we are helping to develop in‑region capability that can support vessels operating from Australia today, while contributing to the long-term industrial strength of the AUKUS enterprise.” defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31030.jpg Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/zeroavia-begins-leadership-transition.html ZeroAvia today announced that founder and Chief Executive Officer Val Miftakhov has stepped down as CEO, effective 26th May 2026, to pursue new opportunities. Image courtesy ZeroAvia Val Miftakhov (above) will remain on the company's Board of Directors, where he will continue to support ZeroAvia's mission and long-term strategy.   "Building ZeroAvia from an idea into a company at the forefront of sustainable aviation has been the privilege of a lifetime," said Val Miftakhov. "I am incredibly proud of what this team has accomplished and I remain fully committed to ZeroAvia's success. I look forward to continuing to contribute as a member of the Board as the company enters its next chapter."   Christine Ourmieres-Widener, Executive Chair of the Board, who has been overseeing the company's day-to-day operations in recent months, will continue in her operational leadership role while the Board conducts a search for a permanent CEO. Ourmieres-Widener brings extensive executive experience in the aviation industry and deep familiarity with ZeroAvia's operations and strategic priorities.   The Board of Directors express their thanks to Val for his extraordinary vision and dedication in founding ZeroAvia and building it into the pioneering company it is today. "We are grateful that he will continue to lend his insight and support as a director. We are also fortunate to have Christine's steady leadership to guide the team through this transition and we are confident in the company's trajectory.”   ZeroAvia remains focused on its mission to decarbonise aviation through hydrogen-electric propulsion technology. The company's programmes, partnerships and development milestones continue to progress and the Board is committed to ensuring a seamless leadership transition. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31031.jpg Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/bae-systems-and-pgz-win-british-polish-collaboration-award.html The British Embassy in Warsaw and the British Polish Chamber of Commerce (BPCC) has jointly awarded Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) and BAE Systems the 'British-Polish Collaboration Award', for exemplifying a high impact UK–Poland industrial partnership, delivering tangible outcomes for Polish national and European security. Above: Munitions shells inside a furnace. Courtesy BAE Systems Launched in 2025, this joint award initiative recognises outstanding companies and individuals for their contributions to the British-Polish trade and investment relationship. A jury of senior Embassy and BPCC experts selected the winners. Dame Melinda Simmons DCMG, His Majesty’s Ambassador to the Republic of Poland, said: “The economic partnership between the United Kingdom and Poland is stronger today than ever before. The second edition of the UK–Poland Business Awards demonstrates how dynamically and on multiple fronts our cooperation is developing, from growing direct investment and trade to joint initiatives in energy transition, new technologies and security. The recipients of these awards perfectly illustrate the ambition and potential of our cooperation.” The award commends the landmark cooperation between the two companies on the production of 155 mm artillery ammunition, bringing together UK technological expertise and Polish industrial capability to significantly strengthen domestic manufacturing capacity in Poland at a time of heightened demand. This collaboration is especially significant following Poland and the UK signing a defence partnership agreement earlier this week in London. Miroslaw Janicki, Director, BAE Systems Poland, said: “We are honoured to be recognised in such a positive way alongside our friends at PGZ. As Poland’s proven defence partner, BAE Systems remains dedicated to the mission of helping to ensure national security through the provision of 155mm artillery ammunition in great quantities and high quality to meet our nation’s objectives.” In September 2025, the two companies entered into a strategic partnership to establish a new 155mm artillery ammunition manufacturing facility in Poland, aimed at increasing the nation’s production of battlefield ammunition. The strategic partnership provides further opportunities for potential collaboration, knowledge and technology transfer, on a broader range of munitions and components, as well as manufacture of energetics. Adam Leszkiewicz, President of the Management Board of PGZ S.A., said: “We are delighted that the British Embassy and the BPCC appreciate the collaboration between Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa and BAE Systems, as evidenced by today's award. This is an example of collaboration with a foreign partner – on the one hand, we are benefiting from BAE Systems' vast experience and know-how and on the other, we are opening a path to the British market, where we can introduce our explosives production technologies. I am confident that this collaboration will continue to develop in a direction beneficial to both sides and, above all, the Polish Armed Forces and the Polish defence industry." Underpinned by a Strategic Partnership Agreement, the collaboration reflects a shared long-term commitment to joint industrial development, technology transfer and skills enhancement across the defence sector. Developed through an intensive year-long collaborative process, the partnership has established a strong platform for future joint programmes and export opportunities. By aligning complementary strengths, scale and ambition, BAE Systems and PGZ have created a partnership that materially reinforces European defence resilience and marks a major step forward in UK–Poland defence and industrial cooperation. defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31032.jpg Fri, 29 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/dsei-germany-appoints-military-advisory-board.html DSEI Germany has appointed three distinguished military advisors as it prepares to debut at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds from 9th - 12th March 2027. Above: DSEI Germany Military Advisory Board IMG1: (from left to right) Lt Gen (ret.) Leidenberger, Vice Admiral (ret.) Frank Lenski, Colonel (ret) Bernd Kögel, Managing Director DSEI Germany and Gen (ret.) Badia. Courtesy CMS Strategic DSEI Germany will be the leading exhibition for defence and security in Germany, with dedicated Zones for Air & Space, Land, Naval, Cyber & Information, Joint Support Systems, International & Regional Pavilions and Industrial Solutions. The exhibition will feature defence manufacturers, industrial suppliers and enablers from Germany, Europe and allied nations worldwide.  An advisory board of respected senior military personnel has been formed to support the event organisers. General (ret.) Chris Badia; Lieutenant General (ret.) Frank Leidenberger; and Vice Admiral (ret.) Frank Lenski stepped down from the Bundeswehr at the end of 2025. Following long and accomplished careers at the forefront of the German Armed Forces, they are now actively driving the discussion on the German defence transformation. “DSEI Germany is launching at a time when Europe is renewing its military strategy and defence planning. The appointment of Gen. Badia, Lt Gen. Leidenberger, and V Adm. Lenski as advisors brings deep knowledge in land, air, space, naval, cyber and IT but also in defence planning and NATO transformation” said Bernd Kögel, Managing Director DSEI Germany. “DSEI Germany will be the country’s premier event for the defence sector and industrial base, bringing together the highest levels of Government, the Armed Forces, industry leaders and international partners shaping Europe’s defence posture. The expertise and insight of DSEI Germany’s advisors will help us to ensure that the priorities set out in Germany’s military strategy and those of its allies are reflected throughout the event.”  Gen (ret.) Badia began his career in the military in the German Air Force in the 1980s, first flying F-4 Phantoms. In the following decades, he commanded, among other units, Fighter Wing 71 in Wittmund, during which time he served in Afghanistan. Later on, he became Commander of the EATC (European Air Transport Command) in Eindhoven (Netherlands) and Head of Planning at the Federal Ministry of Defence, before being promoted to General and Deputy Supreme Allied Commander Transformation of NATO in 2022. Before his retirement, Badia was the highest ranking German officer in the Alliance. Lt Gen (ret.) Leidenberger joined the Bundeswehr in 1977. Among his roles he served as Commander of Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion and was deployed to the Stabilisation Force in Bosnia and Herzegovina and, later, to ISAF in Kabul. In 2009-10, Leidenberger served as Commander of the German deployment contingent to Afghanistan, returning in 2015 as Chief of Staff for ISAF’s Resolute Support mission. Leidenberger’s last position was as CEO of BWI GmbH, the IT services provider of the Bundeswehr, which he held until October 2025. Vice Admiral (ret.) Frank Lenski joined the Bundeswehr in 1981. In the following years he became Commander Technical Group, Naval Air Wing 3 “Graf Zeppelin”, then Head of Division at the Federal Ministry of Defence and Head of planning in the Joint Support Service and later Chief of Staff in the German Navy Headquarters in Rostock. During his last assignment, Lenski held the role of Commander of the German Fleet and Supporting Forces and Vice Chief of the German Navy at Navy Headquarters.  “I am pleased to join the DSEI Germany team to support the launch of next year’s inaugural event” Gen Badia said. “Germany’s recently launched military strategy stresses the importance of adopting innovative technologies at pace and DSEI Germany offers the opportunity for industry to showcase its solutions on a global stage. As Germany takes a leading role within NATO, I look forward to driving conversations on strengthening the continent’s military capabilities and operational independence.” DSEI Germany will be held in partnership with the Deutsche Messe AG and will take place 9th-12th March 2027 at the Hannover Exhibition Grounds.   defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31024.jpg Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/scottish-leather-achieves-net-zero-scope-1-and-2.html Scottish Leather Group (SLG) has achieved net zero greenhouse gas emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 across its manufacturing operations, marking a major milestone in its long-term Journey to Zero in a traditionally energy-intensive sector. Image courtesy SLG Established in 2004, the Journey to Zero initiative has focused on reducing the environmental impact of leather manufacturing and supply chain impact through lower energy use, reduced waste, and declining carbon intensity. Crucially, this milestone has been achieved while maintaining production levels, demonstrating that emissions can be decoupled from manufacturing output in a traditionally energy-intensive sector. Since the early 2000s, SLG has taken a long-term data-led approach to reducing the environmental impact of its operations, supporting the sustainable circular production of leather and co-products for the global automotive, aviation, bus, coach, rail, furniture and consumer goods sectors. This multiaward-winning programme has been achieved two decades ahead of national carbon targets and has been made possible by significant commitment and investment.    Early efforts focused on energy efficiency and system optimisation, including centralising energy systems and reducing energy consumption. These foundational improvements reduced energy consumption by approximately 40% within the first five years.   Subsequent progress required significantly increased investment and technical innovation. This included the development of renewable heat capability through SLG’s patented Thermal Energy Plant (TEP), commitments to renewable energy use, and major infrastructure projects such as on-site solar generation and broader operational changes embedded across the business. Together, these measures have fundamentally changed how energy is generated and used within SLG’s manufacturing processes.   Historically, leather manufacturing has been viewed as a highly energy-intensive process. However, SLG’s approach demonstrates that it is possible to maintain luxury leather production while significantly reducing carbon impact. This has been achieved by lowering the carbon intensity of the energy used in production, rather than reducing production itself. This distinction underpins the significance of achieving net-zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions.   The achievement is rooted in SLG’s long-standing commitment to circular manufacturing. By internalising processes and managing energy, waste and material flow within its own operations, SLG has developed a manufacturing model that minimises environmental impact while improving operational resilience. The initiative has enabled SLG to address historically high-impact aspects of leather production and demonstrate how leather can be produced with significantly reduced environmental impact.   Achieving net zero for Scope 1 and Scope 2 also strengthens SLG’s ability to support customers’ desire to reduce their carbon impact across automotive, aviation, and other sectors by reducing the carbon footprint of materials entering their supply chains. As customers increasingly focus on reducing their own emissions, lower Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions in SLG’s manufacturing processes directly improve overall product impact.   Having achieved net zero for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, SLG will continue to focus on reducing Scope 3 emissions in line with its externally verified Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) commitments, including a targeted 48 per cent reduction of Scope 3 Forest, Land and Agriculture (FLAG) emissions by 2034. This process will involve continued collaboration with suppliers, enhanced data accuracy, and further integration of lower-impact materials and processes across the value chain.   Dr Warren Bowden, Head of Innovation and Sustainability at Scottish Leather Group, said: “For more than two decades, Scottish Leather Group has taken a long-term, data-led approach to reducing the environmental impact of our manufacturing, focusing on energy, waste and carbon intensity through a circular manufacturing model. Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions for Scope 1 and Scope 2 demonstrates that it is possible to decouple carbon from production. This has been achieved through sustained investment, innovation and changes to how energy is generated and used within our operations. This milestone represents an important step in our ongoing Journey to Zero, as we continue to focus on reducing our wider Scope 3 impact across the value chain.”   aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31025.jpg Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/echodyne-partners-with-axon-on-drone-security-solutions.html Echodyne today announced a partnership with Axon to support a joint focus activity on delivering best in class infrastructure for a range of homeland security and law enforcement UAS applications in the US and worldwide.   Image courtesy Echodyne   Under the partnership, Echodyne’s advanced radar technology will continue supporting Axon’s growing ecosystem of public safety drone solutions, enhancing low-altitude airspace awareness for authorized drone operations while helping agencies detect and respond to unauthorized or malicious drone activity.   There is increasing demand globally for comprehensive detailed awareness of the low altitude airspace in which drones are proliferating. Drone as First Responder (DFR) operations can deliver critical information to public safety agency personnel in transit, ensuring swift and well-informed actions upon arrival. As drones increasingly populate the skies, scaling commercial and DFR operations also requires awareness of rogue and malicious drone use. Addressing each of these demands and others, depends on accurate data that precisely details airspace activity.    Echodyne’s patented MESA radars are designed to deliver the precision airspace awareness needed to support evolving public safety drone operations, including Axon Air and Dedrone solutions from Axon. As DFR programmes continue scaling across the US and globally, the companies are working together to help agencies operate more safely, efficiently and confidently in increasingly complex low-altitude airspace environments. The partnership is already safely managing hundreds of DFR operations daily and is actively working on dozens of additional customer deployments.    “Radar is the cornerstone of airspace awareness and is especially important for the low altitude drone airspace where remotely piloted and, eventually, semi and fully-autonomous UAS will operate,” said Eben Frankenberg, CEO of Echodyne. “Our work with Axon is focused on a shared safety mission - delivering innovative solutions for public safety agencies protecting communities and infrastructure.”   “Public safety agencies are increasingly relying on drones to deliver critical information faster, improve coordination, and help protect both responders and the communities they serve,” said Eric Hertz, Executive Vice President of Operations at Axon. “As these programmes scale, agencies need trusted technologies that help them operate safely and confidently in increasingly complex airspace environments. We’re excited to work with Echodyne to support the infrastructure that will help enable the next generation of public safety drone operations.”   security http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31026.jpg Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/parker-chomerics-introduces-cho-air-vita-48-5-chassis-seal.html The Chomerics Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation is introducing its CHO-AIR VITA 48.5 chassis seal, an advanced air flow-through (AFT) sealing solution that meets the mechanical and interface requirements of ANSI/VITA 48.5-2026. Image courtesy Parker Designed for embedded computing architectures in aerospace and defence applications, the new seal establishes a leak-tight interface between the chassis plenum and module heat exchanger, isolating the path of cooling airflow from sensitive electronics. By preventing contaminated airflow from reaching critical electronic assemblies, CHO-AIR® VITA 48.5 protects systems operating in harsh environments where exposure to moisture, dirt and salt can compromise reliability. The seal supports forced-air thermal management strategies widely deployed in avionics, radar and surveillance systems, command and control electronics, and ground vehicle and weapon platforms. Central to the design is a dual-durometer elastomer construction featuring a 1° taper. This configuration promotes uniform compression and reliable sealing within a recommended deflection window of 0.008” (0.2 mm) to 0.030” (0.76 mm). The engineered geometry helps sustain air-tight performance across fluctuating pressures and temperatures for dependable cooling path isolation under demanding operational conditions. The silicone elastomers conform fully with A-A-59588, affirming they meet the performance requirements of military and aerospace applications. “Our latest AFT chassis seal provides system designers with a robust sealing solution compliant to ANSI/VITA 48.5-2026 AFT requirements,” says Jesse Hagar, Product Manager, Parker Chomerics. “In defence and aerospace electronics, maintaining a controlled airflow path is critical to ensure reliable forced-air thermal management. This new chassis seal enables engineers to protect high-value computing assets while simplifying installation and maintenance.” The seal frame is manufactured from aluminium anodised in accordance with MIL PRF 8625 Type III, Class 1. In addition, an FEP (fluorinated ethylene propylene) coating reduces friction during module insertion and removal. This construction supports durability and repeatability in rugged embedded computing platforms. Notably, the new seal is listed on the ANSI/VITA 48.5-2026 standard as a suggested source, providing additional assurance for programme qualification and specification. Available in 0.175” (4.45mm) and 0.375” (9.53mm) widths, for both inlet and exhaust designs, the product integrates seamlessly into AFT cooling architectures. Complementary components, including air seal retainer blocks, blanks and orifice plates, are also available to support complete system implementation. While engineered to meet the latest ANSI/VITA 48.5-2026 requirements, the seal is not compatible with legacy ANSI/VITA 48.5-2010 (R2017) configurations. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31027.jpg Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/fivecast-gains-uk-public-sector-approval-for-police-social-media-screening-solution.html BlueLight Commercial OSINT Social Media Screening Capabilities Framework appointment gives police forces and public bodies easier access to AI-powered OSINT screening capabilities. Image copyright Shutterstock Fivecast has been appointed as a key supplier on BlueLight Commercial’s Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) Social Media Screening Capabilities Framework.  The framework provides UK policing and public sector organisations with simpler, compliant access to specialist OSINT capabilities for vetting, safeguarding and risk assessment. The framework is designed to ensure forces and associated public sector bodies can procure OSINT social media screening solutions in a structured and transparent manner, aligned to national commercial and governance requirements. Fivecast is appointed to provide social media screening technology through the framework, reflecting the company’s established expertise in OSINT. The company supports government and law enforcement organisations with capabilities that augment professional judgement and oversight while integrating with existing processes. The company’s product suite features Fivecast MATRIX, a solution purpose-built for large-scale vetting, screening and risk assessments of individuals applying for sensitive roles, privileges or permits. Fivecast’s open-source intelligence platform cuts through complex digital noise to surface the signals that matter, delivering clear insights for those who protect nations, borders, businesses and communities. The technology enables analysts to collect and analyse relevant publicly and commercially available online information in a structured, auditable and proportionate way in line with UK legal, ethical and data governance expectations. “We are proud to be appointed to BlueLight Commercial’s OSINT Social Media Screening Capabilities Framework,” said Dr. Brenton Cooper, CEO & Director Co-Founder at Fivecast.“The framework provides a trusted route for policing and public sector organisations to access specialist OSINT capabilities and reinforces our commitment to supporting intelligence led decision making within regulated and public sector environments.” BlueLight Commercial is the national commercial body working with policing and the wider blue light community to deliver commercial solutions that support public safety. Its frameworks provide compliant access to specialist capabilities, helping organisations procure goods and services efficiently and responsibly. Fivecast works closely with government, law enforcement and regulated organisations globally, delivering secure, ethical OSINT technology designed to support intelligence-led decision making in support of public safety. BlueLight Commercial is a national, not-for-profit company established by the UK Home Office in 2020 to provide commercial expertise, procurement frameworks and strategic supplier management specifically for policing and fire services. It acts as a central body to drive value, efficiencies and sustainability across the sector's commercial lifecycle, aiming to reinvest savings directly into front-line policing. security http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31028.jpg Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/iata-reports-ups-and-downs-in-april-air-cargo-and-passenger-demand.html 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. Image courtesy IATA Total global passenger demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometres (RPK), was down -3.4% compared to April 2025. Excluding the Middle East, demand increased by 1.2%. Total capacity, measured in available seat kilometres (ASK), decreased -2.9% year-on-year. The load factor was 83.1% (-0.4 ppt compared to April 2025). International demand fell -5.3% compared to April 2025. Excluding Middle East, demand grew by 1.9%. Capacity was down -5.1% year-on-year and the load factor was 83.9% (-0.2 ppt compared to April 2025).  Domestic demand was flat compared to April 2025. Capacity increased 0.8% year-on-year. The load factor was 81.9% (-0.7 ppt compared to April 2025). Willie Walsh (above), IATA’s Director General, said: “The 46.6% fall in demand for carriers in the Middle East due to war in the region was so acute that it dragged overall demand down -3.4%. The situation for air transport remains highly volatile. The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand.”  Regional Breakdown - International Passenger Markets  International RPK fell -5.3%, with capacity falling -5.1%. However, this decline was caused by continuing heavy falls in demand for Middle East carriers. Excluding the Middle East, RPK increased by 1.9%. North America was flat and all other regions reported growth.  Asia-Pacific airlines achieved a 3.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 0.7% year-on-year, and the load factor was 87.5% (+1.9 ppt compared to April 2025), a record high for April. There was a notable slowdown in traffic on the Japan-China corridor, due to ongoing political tensions. European carriers saw a 0.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity increased 0.3% year-on-year, and the load factor was 84.9% (+0.6 ppt compared to April 2025). Direct traffic between Europe and Asia increased 15.3% as it replaced traffic transiting through the Middle East.  North American carriers saw a 0.0% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity decreased -1.1% year-on-year, and the load factor was 83.9% (+0.9 ppt compared to April 2025). Middle Eastern carriers saw a -48.1% year-on-year decrease in demand. Capacity fell -38.4% year-on-year, and the load factor was 70.1% (-13.1 ppt compared to April 2025). Traffic was impacted by the ongoing Iran war, though the decline slowed a little compared to March, as an uneasy ceasefire came into effect.  Latin American airlines achieved an 8.9% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity climbed 7.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 84.6% (+1.4 ppt compared to April 2025).  African airlines saw a 2.2% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 1.2% year-on-year. The load factor was 77.9% (+0.7 ppt compared to April 2025).  Domestic Passenger Markets Domestic RPK was flat in April compared to April 2025. Growth in Brazil, China, and Japan was balanced out by falls in Australia, India, and the United States. Load factors fell in most of the major markets barring China and Japan, though it should be noted that capacity in the Japanese market has declined for eight months in a row. Air Cargo  IATA's data for April 2026 global air cargo markets showed that total demand, measured in cargo tonne-kilometres (CTK), increased by 4.0% compared to April 2025 levels (+4.0% for international operations). Capacity, measured in available cargo tonne-kilometres (ACTK), decreased by -0.4% compared to April 2025 (-0.9% for international operations). Willie said: “Air cargo demand grew 4% year-on-year in April, driven by strong Asia-linked trade flows. But this positive news masks a more complex operating environment. Severe disruption at major Gulf hubs due to the war in the Middle East continued to reshape trade routes and constrain capacity on key corridors. With dedicated freighters carrying much of the growth, air cargo is once again keeping supply chains moving amid trade disruptions. The coming months will test how well the sector can absorb continued geopolitical uncertainty and elevated operating costs.” Several factors in the operating environment should be noted: Global trade contracted in March by 2.1% month-on-month after four consecutive months of growth, highlighting the continued vulnerability of trade momentum to geopolitical shocks. Jet fuel prices rose sharply in April, up 121.1% year-on-year, alongside a 77.7% increase in crude oil prices. Global manufacturing sentiment remained in growth territory in April, strengthening from March. The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose 1.9 points to 53.4, while the PMI for new export orders reached 50.2. With both indicators above the 50-point expansion threshold, conditions remain supportive for air cargo demand. April Regional Performance Asia-Pacific airlines saw a 10.5% year-on-year growth in air cargo demand in April, the strongest rise of all regions. Capacity increased by 5.3% year-on-year. North American carriers saw a 5.0% year-on-year increase in air cargo demand in April. Capacity increased by 1.2% year-on-year. European carriers saw a 6.0% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in April. Capacity increased by 3.0% year-on-year. Middle Eastern carriers saw a -18.2% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in April, the weakest performance of all regions. Capacity decreased by -22.9% year-on-year. Latin American and Caribbean carriers saw a -2.8% year-on-year decrease in demand for air cargo in April. Capacity increased by 1.2% year-on-year. African airlines saw a 7.7% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in April. Capacity decreased by -9.4% year-on-year.  Trade Lane Growth Air cargo performance diverged across major trade lanes in April. Africa–Asia led growth followed by Asia–Europe, with intra-Asia also holding strong on regional trade. In contrast, Gulf-linked corridors were severely disrupted by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.   aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31029.jpg Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/uk-aviation-starts-year-with-record-passenger-numbers.html New UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) data released today shows more than 61 million passengers travelled through UK airports in the first three months of this year, breaking previous records for travel between January and March. Image courtesy CAA This period includes the initial period after the Middle East conflict started, impacting passengers in some regions. Andrew McConnell, spokesperson for the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “This strong start to the year shows just how high demand for flying remains, particularly to popular European destinations. “Even in a more challenging time for aviation, services are continuing to operate reliably and passengers are travelling in strong numbers, with that momentum set to build towards the summer peak.” The data from the start of the years shows trends of holidaymakers heading off towards sunnier European destinations, with the number of passengers travelling to Madrid and Las Palmas increasing by 14% and 11% respectively. Other findings from the quarterly data included: Some of the airports with the largest proportional growth in passenger numbers included London Southend (+247%), Cardiff (+24%), Bournemouth (+14%) and Newcastle (+9%). The most popular destinations in Q1 2026 were Dublin, Amsterdam, Geneva, Tenerife and Dubai. Karen Dee, chief executive of AirportsUK, the trade body for UK airports, said: “We are pleased to see that the number of passengers and the amount of cargo passing through UK airports has gone up in the first quarter of this year.  “This shows the value that people put on air travel, keeping the UK connected with the world and increasing trade. “Despite the difficult conditions we are facing at the moment, our members will continue to work hard to deliver the connectivity we need and drive economic growth, and we call on the government to ensure it delivers a competitive framework for the sector.” aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31017.jpg Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/dstl-achieves-uk-s-first-optical-downlink-from-space.html The UK’s first successful download of data from space using a deployable laser communications ground station has been achieved by Archangel Lightworks for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl). Above: Archangel Lightworks TERRA-M optical ground station. Courtesy Dstl The demonstration will now provide a way for faster and more secure communications for the UK’s armed forces. During a 90-second satellite pass, many gigabytes of data were downloaded from a satellite in low Earth orbit (LEO) to an optical ground station located in the Mediterranean region. This transformational leap is like moving from very slow internet to superfast fibre broadband. Also known as free space optical communications, laser communications enables high-speed transmissions over long distances. This is ideal for military applications such as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance where large volumes of information must be sent quickly to give UK forces an operational advantage over adversaries. Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: "Space is crucial for how our armed forces communicate, allowing our sailors, soldiers and aviators to conduct the operations which keep the UK and our allies safe. "By developing laser communications we’re dramatically increasing how quickly and securely our satellites can talk to our bases on Earth, protecting these communications from interference and giving us an advantage over our adversaries." Dstl Chief Executive, Dr Paul Hollinshead, said: "Laser communications will vastly improve the speed, size and security of data between our forces, whether they are in the air, on land, at sea or in space. This will greatly increase the security of our forces who will be able to convey critical information faster than their adversary. "Our collaborative partnerships with industry catalyse innovation and enable Defence to be an engine for growth, supporting jobs and creating commercial opportunities. Dstl has been working closely with Archangel Lightworks, a small- to medium-sized enterprise (SME) located in Oxford, UK, who have been developing an optical ground station for the trial. The initiative exemplifies Dstl’s delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy and the Strategic Defence Review, by harnessing the talents of specialist industrial and academic partners from across the supplier ecosystem across the breadth of the UK.   Laser communications transmit information using very low power, non-visible light instead of radio waves (radio frequency, RF). Light has a much shorter wavelength than radio waves so it can transmit more data per second. This is very difficult to detect and intercept, greatly reducing the chance of detection by enemy sensors. Narrow beams also reduce the chance of overlap or interference with other networks and equipment. Laser communications will also allow the military to communicate in an increasingly contested and congested electromagnetic environment. The technology will be exploited by many capability areas across the UK Ministry of Defence and could form part of the UK’s digital targeting web as well as being interoperable with the US Space Development Agency standard. Archangel Lightworks recently completed a Series A funding round, which included investment from the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF). The company manufactures systems at a facility in Oxford and is a sovereign UK capability which will support scaling production for deployment, sale or exports. defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31018.jpg Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/cathay-group-orders-two-a350f-freighters.html Hong Kong’s Cathay Group has placed a firm order with Airbus for two additional Airbus A350F freighters. Above: Cathay Cargo - A350F. © AIRBUS SAS 2023 This will bring the airline’s total order to eight of the new-generation cargo aircraft. The A350F will be operated by the airline’s cargo division, Cathay Cargo, bringing new levels of efficiency across its extensive network. Ronald Lam, Chief Executive of the Cathay Group said: “We are pleased to further strengthen our fleet with these additional A350F freighters that will provide greater connectivity at our home hub and more choices for our customers. This strategic, future-ready investment reflects our resolute confidence in our long-term growth prospects and supports Cathay Cargo’s goal of being the world’s best air cargo carrier.”   Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, said: “Cathay’s continued endorsement of the A350F is another powerful signal that the A350F brings a new generation of freighter capacity and efficiency. The A350F will fit seamlessly into the airline’s existing Airbus fleet with unrivalled operational and technical commonality, while accelerating the airline’s decarbonisation journey. We could not be more excited to grow this partnership.”  Designed to be the world's most advanced cargo aircraft, the A350F meets the evolving demands of the global air freight market. Thanks to a range capability of up to 8,700 kilometres with a payload of up to 111 tonnes, it will allow operators to deploy it on international long-haul routes. Made from over 70% advanced materials, the A350F is 46 tonnes lighter than competitor aircraft.  Powered by the latest Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, the aircraft will bring a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 20% when compared to previous generation aircraft with a similar payload-range capability. It is the only new freighter fully meeting ICAO's 2027 CO₂ emission standards. The A350F is able to operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at entry-to-service, with the aim for up to 100% capability by 2030 (as with all Airbus aircraft).   At the end of April 2026, the A350F freighter had registered 101 firm orders from 14  customers worldwide. aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31019.jpg Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/aeromedic-introduces-soft-case-first-aid-kits.html Aeromedic - a provider of in-flight emergency medical and first aid kits - has introduced enhanced soft-case first aid kits, to meet regulatory and airline requirements. Image courtesy Aeromedic / AMETEK MRO  Driven by airline feedback, in service experience and aerospace compliance requirements, this initiative represents a meaningful, operator led evolution focused on safety, usability, inspection efficiency and regulatory alignment in an aircraft environment.  Aeromedic’s next generation improvements over existing hard case kits, cover four important areas: design & ergonomics, visibility & organisation, safety, security & compliance and operational readiness. Jack Blackman, Technical Development Engineer at Aeromedic described what the changes mean: “We’ve designed light, weight saving constructions to reduce overall aircraft load without compromising durability. Importantly, the soft bag architecture significantly reduces the risk of passenger or crew injury during in cabin transport. Our larger kits have dual carry handles which improve manoeuvrability in confined aircraft environments. We’ve spent a lot of time refining our user centric internal configuration enabling faster access under time critical conditions.” Jack explained that Aeromedic’s high visibility internal layout improves rapid identification of critical items: "Clear, standardised content layout plans support training consistency and procedural compliance.” The kits have detachable internal pouches for modular use, rapid handover, or isolated treatment scenarios. Protective storage for ampoules and vials minimises breakage and contamination risk. High visibility, reflective pull tabs improve location in low light or high stress situations and externally accessible contents lists allow immediate verification without opening the kit. Jack said: “We maintain a rigorous focus on safety, security and compliance. This includes the anti tamper sealed design providing clear visual indication of kit integrity, the anti tamper and anti puncture zip system enhances security and durability.” Aeromedic’s new soft-case kits conform to CS 25.853 Appendix F, Part I(a)(1)(ii) incorporating flame test compliant materials for certified aircraft use. Unique kit serialisation enables individual kit identification and content management with full batch traceability supporting rapid freeze and recall if required, whereas water resistant outer materials protect contents from environmental exposure. Operational readiness is another important characteristic of the new kits with multilingual labelling and documentation to support international airline operations and regulatory alignment. Jack said: “While many of these features may exist elsewhere in isolation, our combination of safety improvements, compliance, traceability, and real world usability represents a tangible step forward for Aeromedic. They reflect how the equipment is actually handled and used on board the aircraft and we anticipate that airlines will immediately understand how their own in-service experiences have shaped these intuitive improvements.” aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31020.jpg Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/rauma-marine-constructions-selects-ifs-cloud-solution.html IFS today announced that Rauma Marine Constructions (RMC), a Finnish shipbuilding company, has selected IFS Cloud to modernise its digital foundation and strengthen control across its complex shipbuilding programmes. Image courtesy IFS Based in Rauma, Finland, RMC is one of the few shipyards globally capable of building icebreakers and advanced naval vessels. The company is currently constructing two icebreakers for the U.S. Coast Guard and four Pohjanmaa-class multi-purpose corvettes for the Finnish Navy, among the most capable ships operating in the region. To support the icebreaker construction, as well as future vessels, RMC will deploy IFS Cloud to provide the digital backbone needed to standardise operations and strengthen oversight across its shipbuilding projects. Shipbuilding projects involve thousands of components, multiple subcontractors, and continuous engineering changes over multiyear timelines. IFS Cloud will support RMC with a unified platform connecting project management, procurement, production, logistics, commissioning and financial control across current and future shipbuilding programmes.  The platform will give RMC improved visibility into project progress, supplier commitments, material logistics and cost forecasting. By integrating operational and financial data within a single system, the shipyard aims to improve decision-making during project execution and strengthen control across long-duration programmes. This will enable earlier detection of project deviations, more accurate forecasting and stronger lifecycle traceability for vessels delivered to both commercial and defence customers. Heikki Helen, ICT Manager at Rauma Marine Constructions, said: “With IFS Cloud, we gain the ability to drill into production issues in real time and manage projects proactively. Our ambition is to shorten vessel build times. A reduction of build times has a significant impact on productivity and competitiveness and IFS Cloud supports us in achieving that.” Mattias Bolander, Managing Director, Nordics at IFS, said: “Shipbuilding represents one of the most complex project-based environments in the world. Rauma Marine Constructions combines Finland’s deep expertise in icebreaker construction with ambitious growth plans in naval and commercial shipbuilding. With IFS Cloud and IFS’s roadmap for embedded Industrial AI capabilities within the IFS Cloud platform, RMC gains a digital platform purpose-built for asset and project-intensive industries, enabling greater operational transparency, more accurate forecasting and the ability to proactively manage risk across complex shipbuilding programmes.” defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31021.jpg Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/integrating-aviation-grade-connectivity-for-drone-ops.html Mike Sewart, CTO at Thales UK, explains why it is essential to integrate networking technology so that drones can communicate with each other about their location and intention, to enable the advance of drone operations. Image courtesy Thales The market for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) continues to go from strength to strength, with forecasts of the global market capital for these technologies standing as high as $57.8 billion by 2030. As their utility expands across applications and use cases, the ability to operate these aircraft without keeping them in visual sight will be a force multiplier.  Advances in drone command technologies means flying in this way is technically possible but work continues to develop industry standards to make it feasible in reality. The main challenge involved in making this happen is integrating this mode of operation for unmanned aircraft into controlled airspace. It is an issue that will only grow in importance, as uncrewed air traffic density continues to rise. The future low-altitude airspace is likely to be a much busier place and we need the connectivity to match.  Varied use cases Safely enabling beyond visual line of sight operations at scale will be a turning point for the dramatic expansion of commercial drone operations. One significant use case is within a critical infrastructure context. Here, many industries require regular inspections to quickly capture detailed information around condition and plan maintenance. Whether it is oil and gas, power and utilities, railways and roads, or other civil engineering, drones have the potential to save huge amounts of time on site and minimise the human intervention required. The eventual ability to operate in a BVLOS fashion will take this a step further, allowing for inspections to take place over larger areas, as well as confined or hard to access spaces. Standardised communications systems Complex airspace can contain a wide range of different elements that must be accounted for, from satellite communications through to terrestrial networks, surveillance and airspace management systems. Add in the future demand for – potentially one day – autonomous drones, and these pressures far outstrip current available air traffic control capacity. It means the industry must find ways for aircraft to share situational awareness without using air traffic control services. A resilient, multi-link connectivity that supports continuity, assurance and safe integration is the goal, with aircraft managing flight paths and separating from each other independently.  Crucial to safe operations is in establishing a trusted communications environment around the aircraft – one that’s standardised, scalable and shared-use. Without shared infrastructure, every drone operator must invest in airspace integration of their own, mastering navigation, safety and communications technologies just to operate. Requiring each participant in a transportation system to design and bring their own infrastructure isn’t scalable. Future success depends on shared standards and technologies that allows operators to quickly achieve operational and safety compliance.  The future of flight Supporting BVLOS flighting in a highly dynamic airspace environment makes it a systems challenge, spanning aerospace, telecoms, satellite communication, digital trust and airspace integration work. Maintaining situational awareness is key, as automated drone operations are only as safe and reliable as the data they run on. Datalinks are required to control the vehicles, along with mesh networking technology to allow drones to communicate with each other about their location and intention. Real-time telemetry on the likes of position, speed and health status must be broadcast and accessible. There must also be redundancy built into these communication systems so that if the primary link fails, a backup can take over and maintain control. Aligning these various systems to create a holistic view of operations allows everyone involved, from the drone operators themselves, through to air navigation service providers and authorities, to work together from this same consistent dataset. Underpinning all of this by necessity is cybersecurity - ensuring these lines of communication and datalinks are sufficiently protected against tampering and unauthorised access. Every drone should be moving exactly as planned, staying within strict safety and control tolerances. Routinely deploying drones on a BVLOS basis, at scale, still requires more evidence before the necessary standards are established and operations can move forward. As drones continue to move from niche tools into essential infrastructure, it will take expertise from a wide range of academic, industry and Government stakeholders working together to drive forward the next phase of uncrewed aviation. features http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31022.jpg Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/viasat-and-partners-complete-iris-rpas-flight-trial.html Viasat has collaborated with TTP and Frequentis, under the European Space Agency (ESA) Iris programme, on an Iris Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) flight trial. Image courtesy Viasat The demo aims to understand how emerging connectivity technologies support Unmanned Aircraft System Traffic Management (UTM) interaction and controlled BVLOS operations in complex and remote environments.    The activity forms part of ESA’s wider Iris programme (Iris SATCOM Global), which primarily targets commercial aviation and is designed to build evidence around trusted communications for the safe integration of aircraft into shared, non segregated airspace. Within this context, RPAS represents a specific element contributing to the broader commercial aviation framework.    BVLOS operations are critical in remote or hard to access environments, where aircraft must often carry out precise manoeuvres beyond direct visual control. In these scenarios, safe operations depend on reliable interaction between the aircraft, the remote operator and wider airspace systems, rather than line of sight oversight alone.    This trial focused on observing how new connectivity technologies behave under real flight conditions and how they support the exchange of trusted information with airspace management systems. The objective was to better understand how uncrewed aircraft can be monitored, directed and adapted during flight, including how uncrewed aircraft can be monitored and managed during flight including under more demanding operational conditions.  By examining connectivity behaviour alongside UTM interaction, the trial reflects the practical realities of future BVLOS operations, where communications and airspace coordination must work together to maintain situational awareness, predictability and safety.  “UTM integration and resilient network capabilities are core pillars of the ESA Iris RPAS activities- not just operational add-ons,” said Joel Klooster, SVP Aircraft Operations and Safety at Viasat. “Through the Iris RPAS trial, we’re validating how advanced, multilink networks can support real-time interaction, airspace awareness, and continuity of command and control in live operating conditions. The results show an enhanced, interoperable network is foundational for safe, efficient, and scalable UAV operations within managed airspace.”    Viasat’s participation builds on its long standing collaboration with ESA and its focus on aviation safety. Working alongside TTP and Frequentis, the trial brings together complementary expertise across satellite connectivity, emerging network technologies and airspace integration, helping to build a clearer picture of how BVLOS operations can be safely supported as they move into more challenging environments.    This flight trial is one of several activities currently being delivered through the Iris RPAS programme, each exploring different operational scenarios, environments and system interactions. Together, these trials are contributing to a growing evidence base that supports collaboration between industry, regulators and airspace stakeholders as BVLOS operations continue to evolve.    Bernhard Kirschner, Solution Architect Integrated Lower Airspace Solutions at Frequentis AG, said: “At Frequentis AG, we focus on enabling the safe integration of uncrewed aircraft into controlled airspace. This Iris RPAS flight trial shows how robust connectivity supports the reliable exchange of safety critical information with UTM systems—an essential foundation for predictable and safe BVLOS operations.”    Martin Wallis, Aviation Programme Lead at TTP plc, said: “As BVLOS operations move into more complex and remote environments, trusted communications will be essential to maintaining safety, situational awareness and operational control. This Iris RPAS trial helps build real-world evidence around how connectivity technologies can support integration with UTM and airspace management systems. Drawing on our expertise in UAV satellite connectivity, terminal and antenna technologies, including our Gotonomi UAV satcom platform, TTP plc is pleased to support the wider effort to enable resilient, scalable and safety-led uncrewed aviation.” aviation http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31023.jpg Wed, 27 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/borealis-goes-live-six-months-early.html CGI has supported the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to achieve Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for BOREALIS, six months ahead of schedule. Image courtesy CGI  BOREALIS is a unique, UK-made system which underpins military operations around the world. It is being deployed in the National Space Operations Centre, which delivers the UK’s space surveillance and protection mission. It will strengthen the UK’s ability to protect its interests in space and support the safe, secure, and sustainable use of space globally. The system delivers enhanced Space Domain Awareness (SDA) and a new Space Command and Control (C2) capability at the core of the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC).  Leveraging CGI’s deep domain expertise, BOREALIS provides a sovereign SDA capability that enhances resilience, enables independent decision-making and ensures UK Space priorities are maintained. Designed to support international collaboration from the outset, it also creates the foundation for more effective ‘burden-sharing’ with international allies and partners. Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, said: “Space is now a contested domain. Protecting our satellites from adversaries keeps our economy moving and keeps us all safe. As we increase defence spending we are investing in new defensive capabilities in all domains, including UK space-based capabilities.” Space Minister Liz Lloyd MP said: “BOREALIS represents a significant step forward in the UK’s ability to monitor, protect and defend the critical space capabilities. This joint investment by the UK Space Agency and Space Command, backed by British expertise and jobs, ensures the UK remains a world leader in understanding and protecting the space environment for generations to come.” Major General Paul Tedman, Commander of UK Space Command, said: “Protecting and defending the invisible front line in space requires us to see and understand what is happening in orbit and then make decisions at machine speed. Noctis-1, with Noctis-2 swifty to follow, will provide us the sovereign eyes we need to augment our space domain awareness. Data is the coin of the realm in space operations. BOREALIS exploits edge software to make sense of the vast amounts of information we ingest and then model actionable choices to my operators in the National Space Operations Centre. Together, they represent a significant enhancement to the UK’s space capability.” Neil Timms, Senior Vice President of Space, Defence & Intelligence UK & Australia at CGI said: “Delivering BOREALIS to operational readiness half a year early highlights CGI’s track record in delivering complex, secure space systems. By combining deep domain expertise with modern engineering practices, we’ve provided a scalable capability that can adapt as mission demands and the threat landscape continue to evolve.” The declaration of IOC marks a significant uplift in system performance for operational users including increased automation, new and improved visualisation tools, integration of additional data sources and more accurate orbit determination. Drawing on CGI’s long-standing experience delivering secure, mission-critical space systems, the capability will allow military and civil personnel to keep pace with the rapidly increasing complexity of space operations with greater accuracy and higher levels of assurance. IOC has required a comprehensive support solution to be put in place, together with the delivery of a full training programme and the culmination of a comprehensive accreditation and assurance process. A capability assessment process has been put in place to accelerate the integration of state of the art tools and technology. Delivered by a team of over 100 expert engineers drawn from across the UK space ecosystem, including multiple Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), BOREALIS is being delivered using an Agile approach, allowing the MoD and the UKSA to adapt quickly to new technology and a rapidly evolving threat landscape. Deployment on the MoD cloud environment also provides the flexibility to scale rapidly as operation demands dictate, while reinforcing CGI’s approach of combining sovereign delivery capability with collaboration across industry and government partners. CGI has been delivering complex, mission-critical secure space software systems for clients across Europe, Asia and North America for 50 years. CGI has been working with the MoD as part of its transformation of space situational awareness since 2016. defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31009.jpg Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/bae-systems-to-upgrade-us-facilities.html BAE Systems is making a $135 million investment for facility enhancements in Austin, Texas and Hudson, New Hampshire, further strengthening the US defence industrial base. Image courtesy BAE Systems Funded entirely through BAE Systems’ own capital investment, the infrastructure initiative will accelerate delivery of critical systems and software to support US military readiness. “This investment in capacity underscores BAE Systems’ long-term commitment to equipping US warfighters with the capabilities they need, when they need them,” said Dave Harrold, vice president and general manager of Countermeasure & Electromagnetic Attack Solutions at BAE Systems. “We’re building for the future, delivering at speed and scale, and enabling the capabilities required to deter aggression.” Approximately $85 million is being implemented at the company’s Hudson campus, where advanced capabilities are designed, developed and tested. The renovation will modernise and reconfigure 65,000 square feet of workspace to optimize workflow and support the future needs of US and allied customers. A $50 million manufacturing overhaul in Austin will scale factory infrastructure to quickly meet evolving defence requirements for affordable precision munitions. The site will support end-to-end operations by speeding up innovation and ensuring consistent, reliable production. These industrial and manufacturing enhancements will support mission-critical Department of War and aerospace programmes and create new engineering and skilled manufacturing jobs in America. defence http://www.adsadvance.co.uk/media/images/articles/31010.jpg Tue, 26 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT