Stirling Dynamics has been selected as an engineering partner to AERALIS as the British jet designer works towards the Preliminary Design Review (PDR) for the first British-built light jet in almost 50 years.
Through this partnership, AERALIS will leverage Stirling Dynamics’ deep technical expertise developed working across more than 70 different aircraft types, for a range of specialist engineering services. Stirling Dynamics will conduct loads and flutter analysis to support optimum aircraft design and to withstand the manoeuvres and conditions required initially from a jet trainer configuration.
Additionally, Stirling Dynamics engineers will support aerodynamic design work, carried out in collaboration with the aerodynamic team at AERALIS. This work will involve using a parameterised Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model to design some of the key features of the aircraft. This will allow rapid trade studies and design considerations to be assessed quickly and efficiently. Finally, Stirling’s Simulation and Control team will model the flight control system based on the system requirements to size the flight control system actuators.
AERALIS is developing the first British-built light military jet since 1974, which utilises a unique modular design configuration which is highly adaptable, sustainable and cost-effective whilst allowing the same ‘family’ of aircraft to fulfil a variety of roles. AERALIS has a three-year contract with The Royal Air Force’s Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) to explore modular aircraft design.
On selecting Stirling Dynamics as an engineering partner, Tristan Crawford, CEO, AERALIS stated: “As we bring the innovative AERALIS concept to life through the Preliminary Design Review and to first flight, we are delighted to have support from such a strong engineering partner, particularly one with so much expertise in complex and innovative engineering design.”
Commenting on this contract award, Stirling Dynamics’ Vice President, Bandula Pathinayake, said: “Everyone at Stirling Dynamics is incredibly proud to begin this new partnership with AERALIS. We are proud to share our experience across the flight sciences to support the development of a game-changing and landmark new aircraft design.”
AERALIS’ jet aircraft’s first Advanced Jet Trainer flight is planned for 2025.