Aeralis gears up development of modular jet aircraft

UK-based Aeralis is preparing to take the next step in the design and development of a flying prototype of its modular jet aircraft, building on its contract earlier this year with the Royal Air Force (RAF) Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO).

A conceptual image of the family of jet aircraft being developed by Aeralis. (Aeralis)

Speaking to Janes on 30 April, CEO Tristan Crawford said that with this design and development taking place over three key stages, the company is preparing to launch the third and final stage ahead of the rollout and first flight of a physical aircraft.

“[We are in] what we call our three-phase points in the design and development of a pre-production flying aircraft, and we are currently in an investment phase to make that happen,” Crawford said. “The first and second phases covered the putting in place industrial partnerships, as well as our patents and conceptual design. Phase three is now – it is the start of the real design and manufacturing phase.”

Crawford declined to put a timeline on when the first aircraft might be rolled out and flown, noting, “We are aiming for the middle of this decade to be entering the market, but I won’t comment on the detailed timelines at this point”.