NATS - National Aerospace Technology Strategy

The National Aerospace Technology Strategy (NATS) is the result of an important partnership between industry, Government and academia to address UK competitiveness in aerospace technology.

The objective of the strategy is to ensure that the technology generated by the UK science base flows through to industry and is embedded in the supply chain for commercial exploitation. The strategy addresses specific challenges relating to the environment, safety, security and national defence.

The UK has the world's largest aerospace industry outside the USA. It is one of the country's few globally competitive manufacturing sectors, supporting more than 276,000 jobs with a turnover of around £22bn per year.

The Aerospace Innovation & Growth Team - AeIGT

The AeIGT was launched to ensure the UK aerospace industry maintained its global strength and developed world class technologies. The AeIGT is a partnership between UK Government, industry and academia, with the vision that by 2022:

"The UK will offer a global aerospace industry, the world's most innovative and productive location, leading to sustainable growth for all its stakeholders."

ATVPs and AINs

The strategy identified 6 Aerospace Technology Validation Programmes (ATVPs) and 13 Aerospace Innovation Networks (AINs) to meet its objectives.

A summary of the technology themes identified a aerospace strengths and research programmes being undertaken to further develop these themes is described here:

NATS Research Themes and Programmes (1.0 MB)

NATS governance structure

The Aerospace Technology Steering Group (ATSG) meets monthly to oversee the implementation of the NATS programmes. This group is supported by its Programme Co-ordination , Commercial , Defence, Europe and Enviornment Task Forces and representation from the NACs.