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The South West is a powerhouse of innovation, fuelling the UK’s next generation of industrial capabilities. With a thriving aerospace ecosystem that spans sustainable technologies, uncrewed systems, eVTOL, and cutting-edge aircraft, this region is at the forefront of design and flight.
WEAF will spotlight just some of the groundbreaking technological developments taking place in the region which are all powered by a resilient and diverse supply chain.
Starting in South Somerset, the UK Ministry of Defence’s Technology Development Programme “Proteus” is a collaborative effort with Leonardo in Yeovil. The up to 3t technology demonstrator will fly in 2025 and will be representative of maritime vertical take-off and landing system.
The technology demonstrator programme is exploring an extensive adoption of autonomy and automation, which will be incorporated into Leonardo’s future technologies. The single-engine platform will deliver a wide range of roles including maritime surveillance, maritime organic air missions, and logistics supply.
To the north of the region, Airbus in Filton, Bristol, is exploring wing technology development – with its Wing of Tomorrow – this programme will see new highly aerodynamic wings that are longer and leaner with a higher aspect ratio with prospective folding tips.
Furthermore, GKN Aerospace is a key player in this programme and over the last couple of years, GKN has successfully delivered three Fixed Trailing Edge. These assemblies are now integral components of three full-scale Wing of Tomorrow demonstrators which under evaluation at Airbus’ advanced facilities in Filton and Broughton, Wales.
WEAF supports start-up companies who are drawn to the region due to its comprehensive capabilities and expertise, innovators such as Vertical Aerospace, Aeralis, and Zero Avia who are developing new aviation platforms and systems.
For instance, leading on electric aviation, Vertical Aerospace’s VX4 prototype recently achieved piloted, untethered vertical take-off and landing. The VX4 aircraft is powered by battery packs that produce up to 1.4 MW of peak power enabling zero emission flight.
SMEs based in region are trailblazing technology of tomorrow through the development of innovative electrical systems, hydrogen/SAF fuels, advanced actuation, and ALM.
The UK supply chain is integral to wider industry and underpin innovation, for instance, WEAF member Helander specialises in the machining of complex high precision and mission critical components. The Tewkesbury-based company characteristically machines components across propulsion, actuation, and control system platforms, acting as both a tactical offload and strategic partner to its customers from product/prototype development into series production. Other critical contributors to the value chain, Dorset’s NORCO is an expert in manufacturing large composite structures and GRP mouldings. These examples highlight the contribution that the supply chain makes for big picture innovation.
The South West is supporting the UK as a global leader in aerospace innovation while advancing technological frontiers in aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors through a holistic supply chain.