GKN Aerospace heads up sustainable flight programme

Backed by UKRI's Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund (ISCF), the programme is part of the £125m Future Flight Challenge that will be rolled out over the next four years. This initial phase – supported by £4.5m – is aiming to advance electrification, autonomous flight and sustainable aviation networks under its three different branches, two of which will be headed by GKN Aerospace.

Green aviation projects get cash injection

Skybus is targeting the development of a large eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-Off & Landing) vehicle capable of transporting 30-50 passengers. According to GKN Aerospace, the project will seek to transform the ‘park & ride’ concept, taking mass transit to the skies over heavily congested routes and providing a brand new mode of transport while also relieving pressure on terrestrial traffic. Partners on this strand include Swanson Aviation Consultancy, Pascall+Watson and the Connected Places Catapult.

Safe Flight will explore how to safely integrate unmanned and autonomous aircraft into existing air space. Featuring the Bath University, 3UG Autonomous Systems, and Callen-Lenz, the project is aiming to integrate a range of cutting-edge technologies in real-world use case demonstrations, while also examining the underpinning business needs of a clear route to certifiable aircraft systems.