Yahoo Finance First British-built fighter jet since the Hawk moves closer to test flight
The first British-designed jet fighter since the 1970s has moved a step closer to lift-off after its developer Aeralis secured the backing of industrial heavyweights Atkins and Siemens.
Aeralis is designing a revolutionary “convertible” jet which can be reconfigured for a variety of roles by swapping out parts for different missions.
Based around a common fuselage, the aircraft can be kitted out for either a single pilot or with a two-seat cockpit for use as a trainer, and fitted with different wings depending on whether it is going to be operated in a fighter, ground attack or reconnaissance role.
The Suffolk-based business has now signed a deal to carry out design work with Atkins, an engineer, while Siemens is working on a digital platform that will link up production and support systems.
Tristan Crawford, chief executive of Aeralis, said: “We are getting traction with industry to turn a design into reality. It’s no mean feat to create an entirely new aircraft company in the UK.”
Rather than designing from a blank page, aeronautical engineer Mr Crawford said the company is using existing, proven components such as engines, speeding up development work and reducing costs.
The Ministry of Defence is expected to be a customer and is backing the design until its first flight in 2024. The new jet could replace the RAF’s Hawk fighter used by the Red Arrows.
Aeralis estimated there is a market for up to 5,500 of its jets, which could be worth £150bn.
