As part of the government’s Future Flight Programme, British businesses have been awarded £4.4 million to develop 14 new aviation projects including technology such as drones and unmanned aircraft systems.  

Key projects include the development of next-generation zero-emission aircraft and of vertical take-off and landing technology. 

The Department for Transport (DfT) believe the funding will support the UK in becoming a global leader in the future of aviation and fast-growing technology. 

It started this new technology has the potential to transform industries from healthcare, energy and will become increasingly important when delivering goods.

This includes delivering vital medical supplies restocking hospitals in faster fashion while also attempting to cut cost for the public sector and businesses. 

Aviation Minister, Keir Mather, said: “Investing in emerging technologies like drones and unmanned aircraft is key to build a greener and more efficient transport system.

“But this isn’t just good news for the environment – this tech will also save our public sector and businesses valuable time and cash, while helping to boost skills and support high quality jobs across the country.”

Among some of the successful projects are:

• Beyond Restoration – a project transforming land restoration efforts across multiple UK sites by using long-range, heavy-lift drones to deliver environmental materials to remote and ecologically sensitive areas
• the London Health Bridge Project – UK Medical drone delivery service, which will use the funding to scale up its operations, aiming to increase from 1,000 to 50,000 medical sample deliveries per month
• the Regional Offshore Cargo Drone Demonstrator – a Scottish project that will pilot the UK’s first heavy-lift drone logistics service tailored to support offshore wind farms

Adding comments on the newly announced project was Simon Masters, Deputy Challenge Director for Future Flight at Innovate UK who said: “These ambitious new projects highlight the strength of the sector and its diverse applications, from reducing emissions, advancing healthcare delivery and protecting our environment.

“By focusing on regional adoption, we aim to drive faster, more impactful growth and societal benefits for communities across the UK.”

For additional information and to view all 14 projects please visit this link: http://ukri.org/news/innovative-aviation-projects-cleared-for-take-off/