A new family of turbojet engines has been developed, manufactured and tested in the UK, with one engine progressing from concept to flight-ready status in less than seven months.
The programme is a collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and UK engineering start-up Alloyed, combining digital engineering with advanced manufacturing to accelerate the development of propulsion systems.
The engines cover a range of 30N to 2000N of thrust and are designed for applications ranging from small drones to larger aircraft. Two engines have already entered production, including a 300N-class engine that has completed flight testing and is now in serial production in the UK.
The larger 1100N-class engine progressed from initial concept to flight-ready status in less than seven months.
The programme has also created more than 60 engineering and advanced manufacturing jobs in the UK, with a further 45 roles expected over the next 12 months as production increases.
More than 40 UK suppliers are involved, with the majority being small and medium-sized businesses.
Digital manufacturing speeds up development
A key part of the programme is the use of digital design and modelling to develop new propulsion systems and engine variants.
The approach allows designs to be assessed and moved into production in months rather than years, while the engines’ modular architecture means future improvements can be introduced without extensive redesign.
The programme is intended to establish a domestic capability to design, manufacture, test and maintain turbojet engines, reducing reliance on overseas supply chains for critical propulsion technology.
Taking a jet engine from concept to flight-ready in just a matter of months shows how defence and industry can work together to deliver capabilities at the speed required by today’s world. The threats we face demand the ability to produce cutting-edge technology on demand and at scale. This programme delivers that, combining sovereign manufacturing, digital engineering and industrial innovation to ensure our Armed Forces retain an operational advantage, while delivering good jobs for working people here in the UK.
Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry
Michael Holmes, CEO of Alloyed, said: “Working alongside the Ministry of Defence has enabled Alloyed to bring to bear its world-leading metals technologies to mature and demonstrate advanced propulsion systems at remarkable pace while building a lasting capability in the UK. This programme shows the power of combining defence expertise, digital engineering and industrial innovation.”
The programme is expected to support further production and could also create opportunities to supply propulsion systems to international partners, strengthening the UK’s position in digitally enabled advanced manufacturing.
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