Bristol-designed ‘Aircraft of the Future’ Goes on Show at Aerospace Bristol

Visitors can see the AERALIS Modular Aircraft System and enjoy futuristic robot activities this February half-term

Aerospace Bristol, the home of Concorde and a museum that tells the story of Bristol’s pioneering aerospace achievements, has announced a futuristic new addition to its permanent exhibition.

The AERALIS Modular Aircraft System is a new type of military training aircraft. Its central fuselage can be combined with modular wings, engines and tail sections to create different configurations that suit a wide variety of roles.

For example, the aircraft can be configured with a two-person cockpit for pilot training, a single-seat twin-engine setup for combat roles, or an uncrewed version for reconnaissance or in-air refuelling.

The system seeks to address the problem of air forces needing to buy different types of aircraft for different purposes, which carries significant development, training and maintenance costs.

Sally Cordwell, CEO of Aerospace Bristol, said:

“We’re delighted to put the AERALIS Modular Aircraft System on show for visitors to enjoy this half-term and beyond, and grateful to AERALIS for their support. A visit to Aerospace Bristol isn’t just a chance to explore the aviation achievements of the past, it’s also an opportunity to learn about today’s engineering innovations, and to imagine what the future may hold. The AERALIS Modular Aircraft System is the first of several exciting new additions to the museum, so watch this space!” 

Tristan Crawford, CEO of AERALIS said:

 “It’s such a proud moment to see AERALIS exhibited alongside such prestigious aircraft. I really hope that our model – and the groundbreaking digital engineering work behind our programme – inspires the children visiting the museum to get involved in aerospace and continue Britain’s proud heritage of aviation leadership”

This half-term, Aerospace Bristol is also inviting visitors to help bring the AERALIS exhibition to life. Visitors will have the opportunity to shape how the museum tells the story of this futuristic aircraft.

When visiting, they can vote on the topics they’d most like to learn about and share their own thoughts. The public will also have the opportunity to join the conversation on social media throughout the half-term.

Visitors to Aerospace Bristol will be able to see the AERALIS Modular Aircraft System from 15th February onwards and, continuing the futuristic theme, younger visitors will be able to get hands-on with remote-control robots throughout February half-term.