Aircraft
Aeralis’s Modular Aircraft Advances Toward the Hardware Stage
Aeralis has seen considerable progress in the development of its modular aircraft concept through a series of high-level agreements.
Among the versions under study by Aeralis is an uncrewed ISR platform, depicted here with an advanced jet trainer version (Photo: Aeralis)
Among the versions under study by Aeralis is an uncrewed ISR platform, depicted here with an advanced jet trainer version (Photo: Aeralis)

British military jet developer Aeralis has made great strides over the past couple of years, having gained significant investment from Qatar-based Barzan Holdings as well as a contract from the UK Royal Air Force's Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO). The new funding has allowed the company to press on with the design of its innovative modular jet trainer aircraft. Originally developed as the Dart Jet in 2015, the aircraft uses a common core fuselage with replaceable wings, tail units, and powerplant pods to create different variants.  

Aeralis partnered with engineering and design consultancy firm Atkins to work on the advanced jet trainer and the basic jet trainer variants of the aircraft in 2019, and since then the company has teased a range of other potential future variants, including uncrewed combat, air-to-air refueling, and ISR versions.