Aero Tec Laboratories (ATL) has supplied specialised flexible fuel bladder tanks for BAE Systems’ Brontanax autonomous combat aircraft programme, contributing to the development of the UK’s next-generation collaborative combat aircraft.
The Brontanax platform, unveiled by BAE Systems at the Farnborough International Airshow, is described as the UK’s first British-designed autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft. The programme brings together more than 75 UK companies to develop an uncrewed aircraft capable of operating alongside crewed fighter aircraft.
ATL manufactured the lightweight flexible fuel tank systems at its 105,000-square-foot facility in Bletchley, Milton Keynes. The fuel bladders are designed to support the aircraft’s testing and development programme while meeting the operational requirements of the platform.
The Brontanax aircraft incorporates autonomous flight capabilities, an open-system architecture and a modular design, enabling future technology upgrades and mission flexibility as the programme progresses.
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The collaboration highlights the role of UK-based suppliers in supporting the development of advanced defence aviation platforms and strengthening domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities.
The Brontanax programme forms part of wider efforts to accelerate the development of collaborative combat aircraft that can operate alongside crewed military platforms while providing additional operational capability through autonomous technologies.
