Bristol Aerospace research Centre
Bringing together expertise from across aerospace engineering to develop the technologies, systems and solutions shaping the future of aerospace.
About the centre
The Bristol Aerospace research Centre (BAC) sits at the heart of the UK aerospace industry, combining expertise, facilities and industry partnerships to advance aerospace research and innovation.
Modern aerospace systems demand multidisciplinary approaches spanning aerodynamics, structures, controls, robotics, environment and space technologies. BAC provides a collaborative research environment that brings these disciplines together.
BAC builds on Bristol's long tradition of aerospace innovation, translating fundamental research into real-world technologies in collaboration with industry.
Our research
Our international aerospace research spans projects across a range of themes and groups.
Facilities and infrastructure
BAC has specialist facilities supporting research in aerodynamics, aeroacoustics, robotics, high-performance computing and dynamics and vibration. Facilities range from wind tunnels, including four National Wind Tunnel Facilities, to dedicated spaces for aerial-vehicle design and testing and specialist equipment for dynamic systems.
High-performance computing resources are available through the Advanced Computing Research Centre and Bristol Centre for Supercomputing, including Isambard-AI, the UK's fastest and most powerful supercomputer.
Work with us
The Bristol Aerospace research Centre (BAC) works with industry, academia and government to advance aerospace research and innovation. Based in one of Europe's leading aerospace regions, we bring together expertise, facilities and partnerships to address aerospace challenges.
Opportunities to work with BAC include:
- joint research and collaborative funding proposals
- access to specialist facilities and national infrastructure
- PhD and MSc projects, studentships, placements and secondments
- consultancy and specialist support for planning, design, testing and operation.
BAC in numbers
- £20m+
Active research funding
- 30+
Academic experts
- 4
National Wind Tunnel Facilities
- 500+
Research publications over the last 12 years
Case studies
Explore how Bristol researchers are tackling some of aerospace's biggest challenges, from sustainable flight and autonomous systems to space technologies.
Semi-Aeroelastic Hinge
Developing wing technologies that could enable longer, lighter and more efficient aircraft, helping reduce fuel consumption and emissions.
Reinforcement learning for flight control
Using artificial intelligence to develop flight control systems capable of performing highly agile manoeuvres beyond the reach of conventional approaches.
UoBSAT volcano monitoring satellite
Building a student-led satellite mission to improve our understanding of volcanic ash plumes and support aviation safety from space.
Our experts
Meet some of our experts, from research leaders to early-career researchers advancing aerospace technologies. Explore our research themes to meet more of the people behind our research.
"In over 35 years in academia I have led world-leading research, working closely with the aerospace industry that has focused upon developing technical solutions to exploit flexible aircraft behaviour to reduce the fuel burn of future aircraft design."
"As an early-career researcher, BAC is an exciting place to build connections with industry and use advances in machine learning and computing power to help develop the next generation of more environmentally friendly aircraft."
"The research environment has been welcoming and I've been able to develop my knowledge, research skills and confidence throughout my time here. Support from experienced academics has been invaluable and I'm excited to continue building my research career."
A century of aerospace innovation
The University of Bristol has been advancing aerospace research and education for more than 100 years, with aeronautical teaching established in 1917 and a dedicated department founded in 1946. Researchers and graduates have contributed to many of the field's most significant developments, from variable-pitch propellers and the Merlin engine to Concorde and the BERP rotor.
Today, that tradition continues through research addressing the future of aerospace, including advanced aircraft design, aeroelasticity and urban air mobility.
Collaborate with us
Explore opportunities to work with BAC through research partnerships, specialist facilities, collaborative projects and funding opportunities.