Bristol-based specialist aircraft firm AERALIS’ plan to develop the first fully British military jet since the 1970s has taken another step forward following a partnership deal with a major US aero-maintenance group.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with StandardAero, the two companies will explore opportunities for collaboration across the entire aircraft life cycle in the UK and internationally. 
This could include maintenance, repair and overhaul of engines and accessories, engine nacelles and ground support equipment as well as assembly and equipping of the entire AERALIS modular system.
AERALIS, which opened its Filton HQ two years ago, has pioneered a system that enables it to develop a family of light military aircraft, pictured, in shorter timescales and at reduced cost using a fully integrated digital approach to design, development and certification. 
Using its common core fuselage design, AERALIS plans to produce a range of models for operational use, including a single-engined basic trainer, twin-engined advanced jet trainer, light-attack variant and an aggressor/surrogate training platform to support frontline types including the Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed Martin F-35.
Other potential roles for its modular aircraft could include intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, in-flight refuelling, uncrewed tasks or use from an aircraft carrier.
AERALIS says such a family of products could feature more than 85% parts commonality, delivering significant cost savings to operators. 
The MoU with Arizona-headquartered StandardAero, which operates engine services and component repair services in 12 countries worldwide and employs 7,500 people, is the latest in a string of similar partnerships struck by AERALIS as it continues to develop its aircraft.
AERALIS CEO Tristan Crawford said the two firms were looking forward to working together to solve some of the biggest aviation challenges.
“We are thrilled to know that as we develop our best-in-class air system, we will be developing and incorporating the finest products on the market, ensuring world-class through life support and spiral development,” he added.
AERALIS has also signed MoUs with UK aircraft leasing consortium AirTanker, whose member companies include Airbus, Rolls-Royce and Thales, and Red 6, a Florida-based augmented reality (AR) technology firm that provides applications for military air combat training.
AERALIS unveiled a full-scale mock-up of its common core fuselage design that will be at the heart of its modular family of military aircraft at a technology, maritime and defence industry exhibition in Qatar, in March.
The firm plans to fly a single-engined test platform in 2026, with service entry for an operational system targeted around 2030.
