BAE Systems launches FalconWorks division for air sector R&D

BAE Systems has launched a new FalconWorks division for its air sector business, described as a centre for advanced research and development to deliver “a range of cutting-edge combat air capabilities for the UK and its allies”.

FalconWorks will work with BAE’s partners – academia, research organisations, SMEs and national governments.

Example digital technologies it will be involved with include AI, quantum sensing and robotics. It will also collaborate, says BAE, with partners in areas such as autonomy, synthetic environments and electrical powered air systems.

It will be located at the company’s Warton Bank site in Lancashire, near Preston.

Dave Holmes is the Managing Director of the division, the name of which echoes Lockheed Martin’s famous WWII-originating Skunk Works.

“The creation of FalconWorks is a reflection of the changing environment and our goal to ensure innovative technology development is at the core of everything we do,” said Holmes.

“This new division builds on our established expertise in world-leading combat air programmes such as Typhoon, F-35 and Tempest to unlock opportunities to expand our portfolio and deliver the breakthrough technologies which keep our customers ahead.”

You can read more about FalconWorks here.

BAE Systems highlights that in the past three years it has invested £800m in research and development activities.

Image: BAE Systems

See also: BAE Systems recruiting 100 engineers for Tempest and Dreadnought in Brough