A £273m funding package to advance low-carbon aerospace innovation, economic growth and jobs has been unveiled by the Government today.
The funding will enable the development of new technologies such as NHS treatment carrying drones and solar powered aircraft.
It includes £155m through the Aerospace Technology Institute Programme to support new projects unlocking the latest in green aerospace innovation. A further £105.5m will be shared by projects focused on developing air transport systems and enabling new vehicle technologies through the Future Flight Challenge.
Business secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: 'Through funding for the latest in green technology, such as solar and hydrogen powered aircraft, and setting out our vision for the fast-growing market for commercial drones, we are once again placing the aerospace sector directly at the centre of our plans to deliver jobs and grow the economy.'
Under the announcement, local authorities and regulators will have access to £12m through the Regulators’ Pioneer Fund to back initiatives that could unlock industries of the future through regulation.
Transport minister Robert Courts said: 'Integrating drones into our transport system will play a huge part in better connecting communities, from potentially delivering vital NHS treatments in isolated communities to capturing high quality aerial imaging for rescue teams.'
A Drone Ambition Statement has also been published today outlining how government and industry can work together to seize on drones’ potential £45bn of benefit to the economy by 2030.
