UK-based military jet developer Aeralis is to work with Rolls-Royce on the engines for its modular military aircraft,
Announced this week at aerospace and defense event DSEI in London, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two companies covers the supply of the company’s propulsion requirements.
The MOU activity will focus initially on using Rolls-Royce’s propulsion systems to power the pre-production aircraft, and the ability to integrate them digitally in the aircraft design process.
Rolls-Royce’s family of digital small propulsion system are being developed to deliver disruptive technologies whilst also being more cost effective. Aeralis plans to use this propulsion system design for their digitally developed modular air system.
The Aeralis aircraft can be reconfigured with different single and twin-engine modules, so the MOU will also explore how Rolls-Royce’s future propulsion system technology can be used across multiple Aeralis variant aircraft to meet different operational requirements, exploiting full digital engineering integration from trade studies to in-service operation.
Air Commodore Jez Holmes, head of the RAF’s Rapid Capabilities Office said, “This digital engineering and digital twinning approach could deliver considerable savings relative to traditional air system design, development and sustainment, and offer the opportunity for rapid capability adaption. As such, the learning achieved could be broadly applicable across a broad range of acquisition programmes including FCAS”
Tristan Crawford, CEO of Aeralis said, “We are delighted to announce our collaboration with such highly capable and respected partner in the industry. The fully integrated digital infrastructure that we will build alongside our aircraft is the first of its kind and we could not think of a better partner to be doing it with.”
Alex Zino, executive vice president business development and future programmes at Rolls-Royce said,
“We are looking forward to progressing this innovative programme with Aeralis to help them meet their power and propulsion needs. Innovation is at the heart of all we do at Rolls-Royce and we are committed to developing disruptive technologies that will help advance this program.”
