UK Defence News Round-up: Week 46

Collins to Modernize UK Chinook's Systems

Collins Aerospace, a business unit of Raytheon Technologies, has been awarded a $19 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defence to equip the UK Royal Air Force's new fleet of H-47 Chinook helicopters with a cutting-edge avionics management suite. The upgrade will integrate Collins’ Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), enhancing interoperability between UK and U.S. Chinook helicopters.

The avionics upgrade is designed to standardize the cockpit technology on both UK and U.S. Chinooks, enabling more seamless collaboration between the two forces, particularly in joint operations. The new system will feature advanced digital cockpit displays and applications that ensure the two fleets can work together effectively in diverse and challenging operational environments.

The CAAS system uses Collins Aerospace’s Flight2™ Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), which integrates a wide range of communication, navigation, and mission sensor subsystems through flexible hardware and software. The open architecture allows for cost-effective upgrades and improvements, which will reduce long-term sustainment costs for the Chinook fleet.

As part of the contract, Collins Aerospace will also conduct extensive data analysis and testing in collaboration with the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), ensuring that the new system meets the stringent requirements of the UK Military Airworthiness Authority.

The UK's decision to upgrade its Chinook fleet is part of a broader effort to enhance its heavy-lift capability. The UK government recently announced the purchase of 14 extended-range Chinooks, a deal expected to contribute approximately £151 million to the UK economy.

With these upgrades, the UK Royal Air Force's Chinook fleet will be equipped with some of the most advanced avionics systems in the world, strengthening its ability to operate alongside U.S. forces in joint missions and ensuring long-term operational success.

Olsen Actuators Secures £700K from NPIF

Olsen Actuators & Drives, a Cheshire-based leader in actuator technology, has secured a £700,000 funding boost to support its expansion and the creation of new jobs. The investment, provided by NPIF II – FW Capital Debt Finance as part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II, comes after the company secured several high-profile contracts with major industry players.

The funding will enable Olsen Actuators & Drives to fulfil these new contracts and further strengthen its position in the market. The company plans to create six new jobs as part of its growth strategy, helping to meet increasing demand for its advanced electro-mechanical systems.

Founded in 2004 by mechanical engineer Piers Olsen, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering high-performance, customized actuator solutions across a range of industries. With over 30 years of experience in automation, motion control, and actuator technology, Olsen has led the development of advanced products used in aerospace, defence, robotics, and several other sectors.

Olsen Actuators & Drives is particularly known for its work in demanding applications, including the development of electric actuators for primary flight controls in aerospace. Notably, the company’s technology has been used in the prototype VX4 Vertical Aerospace Fully Electric EVTOL aircraft, a pioneering air taxi project. Their products also serve critical roles in industries such as subsea, civil aviation, power generation, and marine, as well as defence and mobile equipment.

With this new investment, Olsen Actuators & Drives is set to continue its growth trajectory, leveraging its expertise and innovative solutions to meet the needs of its expanding customer base.

PM Unveils £975 Million Aerospace Boost

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced a £975 million investment to drive growth, innovation, and job creation in the UK aerospace industry. Visiting Airbus in Broughton, Starmer revealed that the funding, spread over the next five years, will support the development of cutting-edge aviation technologies and ensure the UK's leadership in the global aerospace sector.

The funding includes an extension of the Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) Programme, which will accelerate innovation in zero-emission flight, advanced manufacturing, and other sustainable aviation technologies. The initiative aims to create thousands of high-skilled jobs, particularly in key aerospace hubs such as Broughton, Filton, and Derby, strengthening the industry and boosting local economies.

In a key focus on Wales, £49 million of the funding will be directed towards aerospace projects in the region, recognizing its pivotal role in the sector. Wales is home to one of the world’s largest aerospace clusters, with companies like Airbus Broughton, a leader in advanced wing manufacturing, set to benefit significantly from the investment. The Southwest of England and Wales together design and assemble nearly half of the world’s large civil aircraft wings.

Starmer emphasized the importance of the aerospace sector to the UK’s economy, noting that the investment will help the country stay at the forefront of technological advancements and sustainability goals. “The UK’s aerospace industry is world-class, from modern aircraft engines to helicopters,” he said. “By accelerating our investment, we will unlock the tech of the future and create growth and opportunity for communities across the country.”

The announcement has been welcomed by leaders in Wales and the broader aerospace community. First Minister Eluned Morgan highlighted the sector’s significance, noting that over 20,000 people in Wales are employed in high-quality aerospace and defence jobs. John Harrison, Chairman of Airbus UK, also praised the funding, calling it a vital step toward securing long-term sustainable aviation development and a skilled workforce.

In addition to supporting technological innovation, the funding will enhance the UK’s defence capabilities, with advancements benefiting the Royal Navy and RAF. The funding application process will open in January, with projects expected to kick off in the autumn, further cementing the UK’s commitment to a greener, more competitive aerospace industry.

BCB and UAVE Launch Dragon D-25 Drone

BCB International, in collaboration with UAVE Ltd, has unveiled the latest addition to its range of British-designed drones—the Dragon Mk3 D-25. This new model expands the capabilities of the previously established Mk3 D-15 by increasing its payload capacity to 25 kilograms, thanks to a newly designed heavy-lift wing. The D-25, with its 4.65-meter wingspan, delivers improved performance and meets the company's commitment to Continuous and Never-Ending Innovation (CANEI).

Philip Slater, Managing Director of BCB, explained, "The D-25 is identical in design to the highly reliable Mk3 D-15, which has flown hundreds of successful missions. With the addition of the larger wingspan, the D-25 has exceeded our expectations." He also highlighted that the company is already working on the next stage of development, the Dragon Mk3 D-50, which will feature a twin-engine design and a payload capacity of 50 kg, offering full system redundancy for even more demanding missions.

The Dragon Mk3 D-15, the predecessor to the D-25, was designed to meet the needs of UK defence, border security, and emergency services. With a payload capacity of 15 kilograms and a 55-liter payload bay, the D-15 has proven its versatility by integrating over 26 different payloads, ranging from tracking and laser designators to electronic warfare (EW) systems, telecommunications rebroadcast, and surveying equipment. The drone has a remarkable one-way range of 1,000 km, making it suitable for long-range operations, and is adaptable to future technologies as they become available.

BCB and UAVE, both UK-based SMEs, formed a strategic partnership in 2023 to deliver sovereign drone capabilities with a global reach. The companies have worked closely to ensure that all critical components of the Dragon Mk3 drones are manufactured in the UK, supporting local industry and maintaining a high level of control over quality and security.

The introduction of the D-25 and the upcoming D-50 marks an important milestone in the development of advanced, flexible drone solutions for defence and security applications. With their increasing payload capacities and integration of cutting-edge technologies, these drones are poised to meet the evolving needs of military, border, and emergency response services both in the UK and internationally.

BAE Systems Plans Artillery Facility in Sheffield

BAE Systems has announced plans to establish a new £25 million artillery development and production facility in Sheffield, creating 50 high-skilled jobs in the process. The 94,000sq ft facility will be dedicated to advancing artillery capabilities, including the manufacturing of the M777 lightweight towed howitzer. This new site aligns with the UK government’s strategy to sustain and modernize essential national artillery resources, with operations set to begin in 2025.

The investment reflects BAE Systems' commitment to supporting long-term artillery production for the UK military, as well as enhancing export opportunities for British-made defence equipment. John Borton, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems UK, emphasized the importance of the new facility in strengthening the UK’s defence capabilities. "This investment will safeguard and grow a critical British industrial skillset, ensuring we can meet evolving defence needs while providing vital opportunities for export," Borton said.

The facility will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology for artillery manufacturing and is part of BAE Systems’ broader strategy to invest in UK-based defence infrastructure. The site will also play a role in developing a highly skilled, adaptable workforce, contributing to the nation’s defence industry.

Clive Betts, Member of Parliament for Sheffield Southeast, highlighted the significance of BAE Systems’ investment in the city, noting that Sheffield’s long history of engineering excellence positions it as a key player in both national security and economic growth. "This new facility will ensure Sheffield remains at the forefront of world-class manufacturing, contributing to both economic prosperity and national security," Betts said.

The Sheffield investment is part of a larger ongoing transformation of BAE Systems' UK operations. In addition to the new artillery facility, the company is investing £300 million to modernize its shipbuilding facilities in Glasgow, over £200 million to upgrade the UK munitions business, and £220 million in a new factory in Rochester, Kent. These investments reflect BAE Systems’ ongoing commitment to strengthening the UK’s defence and manufacturing sectors.

That's a wrap, until next week!