An aerospace start-up will develop the first fully British-crewed jet since the 1970s at Aztec West, it has been announced. AERALIS has signed a 'landmark' deal with the north Bristol business park, where it will open its UK Enterprise Hub in an "extensively refurbished" unit.
The military aircraft developer will use the Aztec West site to develop the new jet which it says can be tailored for a "range of military missions". AERALIS has a three-year contract with Britain's Royal Air Force to develop its aircraft as a potential successor to the BAE Systems Plc Hawk - hailed as the world’s most successful and proven military aircraft trainer.
The start-up, which has taken a 5,607sq ft unit at Aztec West, is also understood to be discussing opportunities with a number of other air forces. AERALIS says the move to Aztec West further reinforces north Bristol's reputation as the "prime location for aerospace design and engineering" - with Rolls-Royce and the MoD both nearby as well as Aerospace Bristol.
