Lee-on-the-Solent aircraft manufacturer Britten-Norman pursues goal of making pilot-less flights a reality

The revolution is the goal of Britten-Norman and Blue Bear, who have joined up to pursue autonomous flights, which they say will make regional flights more affordable and improve interoperability, as well as cutting fuel costs.

Britten-Norman, the UK’s only sovereign commercial aircraft manufacturer, has designed and produced aircraft for more than 60 years.

It is based on the Isle of Wight but has civil aircraft manufacturing and maintenance facilities at Solent Airport (Daedalus), in Lee-on-the-Solent.

Its most famous platform, the Islander, is one of the world’s most successful aircraft designs, serving in a variety of roles from passenger and cargo transport to medevac and search & rescue.

Britten-Norman will work with UK unmanned technology start-up Blue Bear to automate the operation of the Islander.

William Hynett, CEO of Britten-Norman, said: ‘We have become used to the ‘car of the future’ incorporating green and autonomous technology, the future of aviation will undergo a similar revolution.

‘Blue Bear is the leading light when it comes to air autonomy technology, it is an absolute privilege to be partnering on this project.

‘The whole Britten-Norman team is very excited. Blue Bear and Britten-Norman share the same values and an ethos of passion for innovation.

SEE ALSO: Solent Airport: A look at what’s happened at Daedalus since Fareham Borough Council took over

‘We are proud to be British SMEs partnering to build the future of British aviation. I look forward to our companies achieving great developments together.'

Dr Yoge Patel, CEO of Blue Bear, said: ‘Blue Bear are absolutely delighted to be working with Britten-Norman, whose talent for rapidly turning new challenges into solutions for their customers is remarkable.

‘We have found a kindred spirit, in so many aspects, with whom the next era of aviation can be genuinely realised. It’s a perfect match.

‘Two agile SMEs with their own dedicated systems integration and flight test facilities can de-risk and flight prove innovations at an unprecedented pace.'

The project’s first milestone will be to demonstrate single pilot operations with an autonomous co-pilot providing assistance. This is expected to enter service in the mid 2020s and would present a significant efficiency increase and cost saving for regional air operators.

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