Aerospace researchers are to receive more than £300 million to develop electric and autonomous aircraft.
The UK Government has announced up to £300 million investment in cleaner flight solutions for people and goods
The government will provide £125 million, which will be supported by industry co-investment of up to £175 million to support exciting new technologies including flying urban taxis, electric passenger planes and even freight-carrying drones.
The new transport research networks will be led by several universities in the UK, including the University of Birmingham, the University of Leeds, the University of Durham, Cardiff University and University College London.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said, “New technologies like electric and autonomous aircraft can help us tackle climate change, making journeys greener and working better for passengers.”
The Future of Flight Challenge will be delivered by the research body UK Research and Innovation. The first projects will focus on the development of smaller aircraft and drones to ensure the suitability of the new technologies before developing them for larger passenger aircraft.
The competition for funding under the Future Flight Challenge will open on 30 September 2019. Details for applications are expected to be posted on the Innovate UK website next month.
