Two brand new experimental aircraft with ground-breaking technologies will be created by the Royal Air Force in the latest step towards a sustainable aviation future.
The commencement of Project Monet, a joint initiative between the Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) and Industry, will see the development of two experimental flying test aircraft to showcase the capabilities and potential of a range of sustainable technologies.
Using the aircraft as the testing focus, Project Monet will draw together expertise from across the RAF and industry to evaluate how technologies can meet key military requirements and the whole-life environmental impact of operating such a fleet of aircraft.
The range of sustainable aviation technologies include the potential for all-electric battery power, synthetic fuelled internal combustion engines, hydrogen cell, and hybrid.
Monet will be an exciting journey into the future of sustainable flight for the RAF. We will develop and understand the technologies to enable future military aircrew and air cadets to begin their journey into aviation, and yet not adversely impact the world we all share, I can’t think of a better motivator to push us all onto success.
Group Captain Hackett
Military Head of Flight Test on Team Tempest
The two-year partnership with Babcock and Swift Aircraft using light training aircraft will also deliver additional benefit by providing a means to evaluate a broader range of factors including logistics, ground operations, human factors, and certification. In so doing, the work will provide important information which can be readily transferred to other environmentally conscious capability projects and developments.
Sustainability is an increasingly important factor for the aviation industry and an integral part of our strategy to support our customers. By working with the Rapid Capabilities Office, we will be advancing the technology that can be used to address environmental challenges, as well supporting the RAF’s goal to be net zero by 2040.
Jon Russell
Babcock UK Aviation Engineering Director
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We were delighted to be awarded this contract with the MOD; it's a privilege to be involved in the RAF’s path to a net zero future under the 2040 Programme. Swift Aircraft is taking significant steps towards building a sustainable aviation future and the objectives of Project MONET are complementary to our goals. Together we will test and develop potential carbon neutral technologies, providing real world data that is crucial to helping inform decisions about future flight operations.
David Stanbridge
Managing Director of Swift Aircraft
Project Monet will add to the growing number of RAF successes in the sustainable aviation space, following on from the record breaking fully synthetic aviation fuel flight in November 2021, and the world-first sustainable fuel military transport flight in November 2022.
The Royal Air Force’s drive towards greater use of alternative and sustainable fuel continues to gather pace. With the potential to maintain or possibly enhance operational ability, this is an important endeavour both for our Armed Forces and our collective mission to tackle climate change.
The RAF has an open, innovative mind as to the future of military aviation and these demonstrator aircraft will help that approach to flourish.
Baroness Goldie
Defence Minister
The Rapid Capabilities Office supports the delivery of capability to our Armed Forces personnel. Rapid Capabilities Office programmes extend beyond equipment delivery into information analysis, and people and process improvements. Through this, it aims to enhance capability delivered to the front line and explores opportunities presented by emerging technologies, and leverages diversity in thought with novel and innovative ways of working.
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