Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

SAMAD aerospace unveils Q-Starling

British hybrid electric VTOL aviation company, SAMAD aerospace, has launched its concept design for Q-Starling, a high-end Personal Air Vehicle (PAV).

Image courtesy SAMAD aerospace

With an innovative modern design taking elements from both fast jets and VTOL aircraft, the Q- Starling represents a new pinnacle in future sustainable aircraft design.

Combining the benefits of traditional flight with VTOL capabilities, the Q-Starling will seat two passengers and can be flown by pilots with an anticipated appropriate class rating.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Taking inspiration from classic aircraft such as the Victor, Hawk, Mustang and modern high-end sport cars, the Q-Starling interior also has an exclusive stylish design.

The cockpit has been designed to the highest automotive standards of comfort and will include additional transparencies and synthetic vision to enhance situational awareness.

Representing a step forward in VTOL design, the Q-Starling will be a ‘must have’ for those who wish to have the latest and greatest in Personal Air Vehicles.
Q-Starling will be powered by a hybrid-electric turbo-generator which will provide power for a large diameter hover fan and a fly-by-wire controlled ‘Reaction Control System’ (RCS). The turbo- generator will then provide forward thrust once the aircraft has transitioned from vertical flight.

Controlled by a comprehensive electronic flight system, the Q-Starling will have numerous and extensive safety systems in-built to prevent the aircraft from departing the flight envelope. In keeping with other ultra-light aircraft it will feature as a ballistic recovery system.

The traditional rudder pedals have been absorbed into the flight system and present the pilot with a simplified side-stick control. The Q-Starling will maintain full authoritative control but having the benefit of a simplified control interface.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The aircraft is expected to have a low entry barrier to private flight with an expected conversion requirement of around 10 hours for the average PPL.

All materials used in the aircraft are made of ultra-light carbon fibre giving a higher performance capability and enabling semi-aerobatic manoeuvres due to the increased strength of the composite material and design.

Speaking from his UK Head Office at Cranfield Technology Park, Dr Seyed Mohseni, CEO of SAMAD aerospace, said: “The Q-Starling will give owners the ultimate luxury in personal hybrid-electric flying. The efficient sustainable Q-Starling will give passengers unparalleled point-to-point mobility options.”

SAMAD aerospace continues to lead the way in the development of hybrid electric aircraft. The SAMAD aerospace team intend to make flying as common practice as driving with the ability to move directly from point-to-point.

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
NATS invests in carbon removals with CUR8

Aerospace

NATS invests in carbon removals with CUR8

9 June 2026

NATS has committed £500k to carbon removals through carbon removals intelligence provider CUR8, contributing to an initiative led by the UK Sustainable Aviation coalition, to stimulate the carbon removals market as part of a £2 million Advance Market Signal.

HutanBio partners with Wakud on scalable SAF feedstocks

Aerospace

HutanBio partners with Wakud on scalable SAF feedstocks

9 June 2026

Cambridge biotechnology company HutanBio, which is developing algae-derived oils for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), has signed its first commercial offtake Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oman's Wakud International, as the aviation industry searches for new feedstock sources capable of supporting future SAF demand.

Tekever and Sapient Perception to explore airborne ISR sensing integration

Aerospace Security Space

Tekever and Sapient Perception to explore airborne ISR sensing integration

9 June 2026

Tekever and Sapient Perception have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to explore the integration and evaluation of Sapient Perception’s 10K camera system on Tekever uncrewed aerial systems.

Barrow school to launch technical education pathway

Aerospace Defence

Barrow school to launch technical education pathway

8 June 2026

Walney School in Barrow-in-Furness is going to be introducing an innovative employer-led technical education pathway in September, which aims to equip young people with the skills for high-quality careers and to help local employers tackle skills shortages.

Advertisement
ODU RT
FAC and Defence Connect link up

Aerospace

FAC and Defence Connect link up

5 June 2026

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.

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI Engineering expands into Italy with Vigilar Group

5 June 2026

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.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner