The aerospace and defence sectors are developing rapidly as shifting geopolitics increase the volume of defence capabilities and investment in new technology worldwide, including in autonomous aviation. One company that has emerged as a leader in this industry is our client, Certo Aerospace.
Founded in 2008, Certo Aerospace are a British company that pride themselves on their UK-owned technology, including their unmanned vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft systems. At the centre of their innovation is the Capstone VTOL UAV, a coaxial helicopter with a steel airframe and powered by internal combustion, but which is uncrewed and operable from a distance, meaning it bridges the ‘capability gap’ that currently exists between drones and manned helicopters. In comparison to an equivalent crewed helicopter, it boasts a 90% reduction in fuel consumption and costs, as well as 75% reduction in personnel requirements and a 70% reduction in maintenance hours, making Certo a strategic choice.
They operate with the intention to fulfil both military and commercial functions. For defence, their unmanned systems offer solutions that are cost effective and reduce risks to war fighters across a range of mission types, including those in hostile or remote environments. From a commercial perspective, their aircraft is also suitable for various construction, disaster relief, firefighting, and medical evacuation missions (see below).
Certo Aerospace has had recent success earlier this year as they were able to show their ASW DETECT, LOCATE & TRACK capabilities to the Royal Navy. They successfully demonstrated their real-time submarine tracking and use of sonobuoys at Keevil Airfield to further prove the reliability of the CAPSTONE.
Certo Aerospace is also UK veteran-led, with Justin Tooth (CEO) combining his own background as a Former Royal Navy Lynx pilot with his C-Suite experience to help lead the company. He writes, ‘Certo Aerospace is first and foremost a developer of Intellectual Property. We are also working in the fastest developing segment of defence and aerospace: drones. So having a truly specialist and dynamic IP team like M&S on board has been mission-critical.’
From being featured in BBC West, to being a recipient of funding from the Pentagon and formalising a contract with the UK Defence Ministry, Certo Aerospace is growing rapidly and therefore has required a full proof IP strategy to shield themselves against competitors. At Mathys & Squire, we are delighted to work with Certo Aerospace to help secure their assets as they continue to develop their technology.
Find out more about Certo Aerospace on their website here.
Watch Justin Tooth in our latest episode of Innovation Unlocked.
