Aeralis Modular Jet to Power Red Arrows 2.0 and will be built in Scotland
With over four decades in the Hawk T1, the Red Arrows are preparing for a next-generation display jet, led by British startup Aeralis.
Based in Bristol, the team developing the Aeralis aircraft has now revealed where it will build them. The site picked is Prestwick Airport near Glasgow in Scotland.
Ayrshire Daily News rumoured the site selection weeks ago, and in the last 24 hours, Aeralis has confirmed their suspicions.
Redefining the light fighter jet market
The Aeralis concept is more than just a new aerobatic platform for the Red Arrows. Its Aeralis Advanced Jet is an innovative, modular platform that’s designed to fulfil all roles, from trainer to light fighter and ISR platform.
Based around a Common Core Fuselage, the aircraft can be tailored with unique wings, engines, cockpit and mission systems depending on its role. The aircraft shares 85% of its parts and components regardless of configuration.
The configurations being planned include an aggressor, a single engine trainer, a dual engine trainer and an uncrewed tanker.
Aeralis says this concept will drive down costs for air forces, reducing complexity and making the whole supply chain and maintenance operation more straightforward. Operating costs are expected to be cut by up to 60%, while operational availability will be boosted.
Building the next Red Arrows display jet
The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has supported Aeralis through contracts and studies, including a £9 million deal from the Rapid Capabilities Office to explore future flying training systems.
The RAF has been flying the Hawk T1 since 1976, and it has been the platform for the Red Arrows display team since 1979. But the aircraft is out of production, and parts are increasingly difficult to source. It’s not compatible with sustainable aviation fuel, and is reaching the end of its serviceable life.
The modular design of the Aeralis Advanced Jet means it can be built specifically for its intended mission. For the Red Arrows, this means a jet created specifically for flying display, not repurposes from other missions. Wings, engines and cockpit can be optimised for high agility, low drag profiles ideal for aerobatic performance.
The aircraft will be fly-by-wire, capable of 8G manoeuvres and near Mach speeds. Aeralis is building digital twinning into the platform from the ground up, allowing new propulsion technology and other developments to be incorporated later on.
The decision to establish a final assembly line in Prestwick puts Aeralis at the heart of British aerospace. In the cluster at the airport are Spirit AeroSystems, GE Caledonian and numerous Tier 2 and 3 suppliers. The company expects the decision to create some 4,000 jobs in the local area and an economic uplift.
