Technology & Innovation
Swansea University Advances Aerospace Cybersecurity with MBSE Integration
Collaborative project applies Model-Based Systems Engineering to embed cybersecurity in aircraft design, enhancing resilience against evolving cyber threats.
Enhancing Aerospace Cybersecurity through Model-Based Systems Engineering
Swansea University, in collaboration with Novel Engineering Consultants Ltd and Airbus Endeavr Wales, has initiated a pioneering research project aimed at strengthening aerospace systems against cyber threats. This effort marks the first of its kind to explore the application of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) at the early design stage to proactively embed cybersecurity into aerospace infrastructure.
Led by Professor Siraj Shaikh, Head of the Systems Security Group at Swansea University, and Dr. Hoang Nga Nguyen, the project brings together academic research and industry expertise to create resilient, forward-thinking cybersecurity frameworks. The initiative addresses increasing concerns over cyberattacks in the aerospace sector and aims to develop tools and practices that can be integrated into system architectures from inception.
With the support of Airbus Endeavr Wales, a joint initiative between the Welsh Government and Airbus Defence and Space, the project also contributes to job creation, skills development, and economic growth in Wales. It underscores the importance of academic–industry collaboration in driving innovation and securing critical infrastructure.
Understanding the Aerospace Cybersecurity Landscape
Evolution of Aerospace Cyber Threats
The aerospace industry has witnessed a significant evolution in its cybersecurity needs over the past two decades. Historically, aviation systems operated in isolated environments with limited digital interfaces. However, the integration of satellite communications, in-flight entertainment, cloud-based navigation, and interconnected operational technologies has drastically expanded the attack surface.
Incidents such as the 2018 Cathay Pacific data breach, which impacted 9.4 million passengers, and attacks on European aerospace manufacturers have highlighted vulnerabilities in both passenger and operational domains. According to industry reports, cyberattacks on aerospace systems have increased by over 60% between 2019 and 2021, with ransomware and data breaches becoming increasingly common.
Regulatory bodies like the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) have responded by proposing amendments to aircraft certification processes, requiring cybersecurity considerations in systems that interface with flight control mechanisms. These developments underscore the urgency for integrated, systemic approaches to cybersecurity in aerospace.
What is Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE)?
MBSE is a methodology that replaces traditional document-based engineering with model-centric approaches. It provides a structured framework for managing system requirements, design, analysis, and validation through interconnected models. These models serve as the authoritative source of information throughout the system lifecycle.
By enabling real-time impact analysis and automated verification, MBSE enhances the ability to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities early in the design process. This is particularly valuable in complex systems like aircraft, where interdependencies between software, hardware, and human factors can introduce unforeseen risks.
In the context of cybersecurity, MBSE allows for the visualization of threat pathways, simulation of attack scenarios, and integration of security features as core design elements rather than afterthoughts. This proactive approach is essential in an environment where threats are constantly evolving.
“MBSE transforms cybersecurity from bolt-on remediation to foundational design principle. By modeling threat scenarios pre-deployment, we shift from reactive patching to predictive hardening.” , Professor Siraj Shaikh
The Collaborative Research Initiative
Roles and Contributions
Swansea University leads the research component of the project through its Systems Security Group. With a strong track record in cyber-physical systems, the university brings academic rigor and technical expertise to the initiative. Professor Shaikh and Dr. Nguyen are at the forefront of developing methodologies that integrate cybersecurity into system architecture from the outset.
Novel Engineering Consultants Ltd contributes its deep experience in MBSE. The company specializes in creating models that map complex interdependencies within aerospace systems. Their tools and frameworks are essential for visualizing and validating security measures across different system layers.
Airbus Endeavr Wales provides the industrial context and funding support necessary for real-world application. As a partnership between the Welsh Government and Airbus Defence and Space, Endeavr facilitates technology transfer from academia to industry, ensuring that innovations are aligned with operational needs.
Project Focus Areas
The project is organized around several key objectives. The first is early threat detection, which involves developing techniques to anticipate cyber threats before they affect operations. This includes the use of digital twins and simulation environments to model potential attack vectors.
Another focus is security validation, where the team is creating new methods to test and verify cybersecurity measures within system architectures. These methods aim to ensure that systems can withstand attacks without compromising safety or functionality.
Finally, the project seeks to establish best practice frameworks for integrating cybersecurity at the design stage. These frameworks will align with current aerospace security standards and help guide future developments in the industry.
Economic and Strategic Implications
The initiative is not only a technical endeavor but also a strategic investment in the regional economy. By fostering advanced skills and creating job opportunities, the project supports the Welsh Government’s broader goals for economic development and innovation.
Rebecca Evans MS, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, emphasized the importance of the Endeavr program in translating research into tangible economic benefits. The collaboration is expected to attract further investment and position Wales as a hub for aerospace cybersecurity.
The project also contributes to the UK’s national security objectives by enhancing the resilience of critical infrastructure. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, initiatives like this are essential for maintaining operational integrity and public trust in aviation systems.
“By combining Novel’s deep expertise in model-based engineering with Swansea University’s world-class research in systems security, we’re creating new tools and practices that can integrate cybersecurity at the heart of aerospace.” , Ian Thomas, Novel Engineering
Broader Industry Context
Cybersecurity Trends in Aerospace
The aerospace industry is facing a growing array of cyber threats. These include ransomware attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities, and insider threats. As aircraft become more connected, the risk of cyber incidents affecting safety-critical systems increases.
Industry reports predict that the aerospace cybersecurity market will grow significantly over the next decade, driven by increased investment in defense technologies and regulatory compliance. The global market was valued at approximately $26.3 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $58.8 billion by 2032.
Efforts to secure aerospace systems are increasingly focusing on proactive measures, such as threat modeling and zero-trust architectures. The use of MBSE is gaining traction as a means to implement these strategies effectively and at scale.
Regulatory Developments
Regulatory bodies are updating their frameworks to address new cybersecurity challenges. EASA, for example, has proposed amendments to its certification processes to include cybersecurity risk assessments. These changes reflect a shift towards more comprehensive and integrated security requirements.
The DO-326A standard has become a key reference for aviation cybersecurity. It outlines the processes manufacturers must follow to demonstrate that their systems are secure. The Swansea-led project aligns with these standards, ensuring that its outputs are relevant and applicable to current regulatory environments.
By anticipating regulatory trends, the project positions itself as a leader in shaping the future of aerospace cybersecurity. Its frameworks could serve as models for other sectors facing similar challenges, such as maritime and automotive systems.
Conclusion
The collaboration between Swansea University, Novel Engineering, and Airbus Endeavr Wales represents a significant step forward in aerospace cybersecurity. By applying MBSE at the design stage, the project aims to create systems that are inherently secure, resilient, and compliant with emerging standards.
Beyond technical innovation, the initiative supports economic development and workforce training in Wales. It exemplifies how academic–industry partnerships can drive meaningful change and ensure that the aerospace sector remains safe, secure, and competitive in the face of evolving cyber threats.
FAQ
Question: What is MBSE and how does it relate to cybersecurity?
Answer: Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is a methodology that uses models to manage system design and analysis. In cybersecurity, MBSE helps identify vulnerabilities early and integrate security measures throughout the system lifecycle.
Question: Who are the main partners in this project?
Answer: The project is a collaboration between Swansea University, Novel Engineering Consultants Ltd, and Airbus Endeavr Wales.
Question: What are the goals of the research?
Answer: The project aims to develop frameworks for early threat detection, security validation, and regulatory compliance in aerospace systems using MBSE.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Technology & Innovation
Signature Aviation and UrbanV Launch US AAM Joint Venture
Signature Aviation and UrbanV launch SUVA, a joint venture to build a nationwide eVTOL infrastructure network across the US.
Signature Aviation and Italian vertiport operator UrbanV have formally launched a joint venture to develop and operate a nationwide Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) infrastructure network across the United States.
Announced on October 21, 2026, during the NBAA-BACE convention, the Signature UrbanV Alliance (SUVA) aims to transition electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations from isolated test sites to a scalable, agnostic network. According to a press release issued by Signature Aviation, the partnership will initially integrate electric aircraft operations into the company’s existing terminal footprint before expanding to purpose-built facilities.
Transitioning from test sites to scalable networks
The SUVA joint venture, first proposed in an initial agreement on June 12, 2025, is designed to provide an agnostic infrastructure platform. Rather than catering to a single aircraft manufacturer, the network will support multiple eVTOL and electric conventional takeoff and landing (eCTOL) operators.
The alliance plans a phased rollout. Initial operations will focus on integrating charging systems, aircraft handling, and passenger services into existing Signature Aviation facilities. As commercial demand scales, SUVA intends to construct dedicated, purpose-built vertiports in urban and regional destinations to create a connected on-airport and off-airport network.
“Advanced Air Mobility will not be enabled by individual sites alone. It will require connected infrastructure that is ready ahead of large-scale commercial operations and links airports with the places people want to reach. SUVA enables us to turn that vision into a scalable network, combining existing aviation assets with dedicated vertiports as the market develops.”
The statement was provided by Massimiliano Pane, Executive Director of UrbanV.
Leveraging existing aviation real estate
The joint venture combines UrbanV’s dedicated vertiport development experience with Signature Aviation’s extensive fixed-base operator (FBO) footprint. Signature operates the world’s largest network of Private jets terminals, with over 200 locations globally. The multinational aviation services company, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, was taken private in June 2021 following a $4.7 billion acquisition by a consortium that included Blackstone, Global Infrastructure Partners, and Cascade Investment.
UrbanV, headquartered in Rome, Italy, was established by European airport operators Aeroporti di Roma, SAVE Group, Aeroporto di Bologna, and Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur. The company currently operates the UV-0 test vertiport at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), which hosted Italy’s first crewed eVTOL public test flight in October 2022.
Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer at Signature Aviation, noted that the alliance allows the company to shape both the physical infrastructure and the passenger experience for the AAM sector.
“Through the Signature UrbanV Alliance, we have an opportunity to help shape not only the infrastructure behind Advanced Air Mobility, but the guest experience itself, leveraging our network, operational expertise and commitment to hospitality to create a more connected, convenient and elevated journey for travelers.”
Regulatory alignment and market context
The formal launch of SUVA aligns with advancing regulatory frameworks for AAM infrastructure in the United States. On October 22, 2026, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released updated draft design standards for vertical lift infrastructure. The FAA documentation addresses core layout requirements, lighting, charging systems, and the integration of vertiports at existing airports.
SUVA will collaborate with airports, municipalities, real estate owners, and regulatory bodies to establish the technical and commercial frameworks required for widespread electric aircraft deployment.
AirPro News analysis
The Advanced Air Mobility sector has long faced a structural challenge regarding the simultaneous development of certified aircraft and the infrastructure required to operate them. By utilizing Signature Aviation’s existing real estate portfolio, SUVA bypasses the immediate need for complex greenfield vertiport construction in dense urban areas. This strategy offers a pragmatic bridge to early commercial eVTOL operations. The timing of the launch also positions the joint venture to directly apply the FAA’s newly updated draft design standards, ensuring that initial retrofits at existing FBOs align with the agency’s evolving regulatory expectations.
Photo Credit: Signature Aviation
Technology & Innovation
FAA Grants First eVTOL Market Survey Certificate to BETA Technologies
BETA Technologies receives the first FAA market survey authorization for an eVTOL aircraft, the ALIA A250, ahead of full type certification.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted BETA Technologies a Special Airworthiness Certificate for market surveys for its ALIA VTOL (A250) aircraft, marking the first time an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has received this specific authorization.
Announced in a company press release on October 21, 2026, the certification allows BETA to conduct flight operations with prospective customers, operators, and stakeholders. The authorization expands the geographic scope of the manufacturer’s operations and represents a regulatory milestone toward full type certification and commercial adoption in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector.
Inaugural flight and operational scope
On October 20, 2026, BETA conducted the first flight under the new authorization. The A250 aircraft departed from Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) in New York and landed at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont. The flight covered a distance of 34 nautical miles and lasted 20 minutes.
Kyle Clark, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of BETA Technologies, stated that the authorization brings vertical flight closer to practical application and builds on the company’s previous testing milestones.
“Operators can now experience the VTOL firsthand and begin planning how it fits into their businesses, from connecting communities to moving people and goods at a lower cost,” Clark said. “This is an important step toward commercial adoption, and we’re grateful to the FAA for developing the regulatory framework that makes these operations possible.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy called the certification a critical step toward enabling the future of flight in the United States. FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the agency’s commitment to integrating new aircraft into the national airspace while maintaining rigorous safety standards.
Aircraft specifications and testing history
The ALIA VTOL (A250) is an all-electric aircraft featuring dual pilot controls. It is designed to accommodate up to five passengers and carry a minimum of 1,200 pounds of cargo. The A250 shares a common architecture, flight control computers, batteries, and propulsion systems with BETA’s conventional takeoff and landing aircraft, the ALIA CTOL (CX300).
BETA previously secured a similar market survey authorization for the CX300. Combined, the manufacturer’s CTOL and VTOL platforms have accumulated more than 250,000 nautical miles of flight time. The company completed the first crewed electric VTOL transition flight in 2024.
Expanding integration and emergency response testing
The market survey authorization follows a series of operational demonstrations by BETA Technologies. On October 7, 2026, the company completed operations in the Utah eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP), focusing on radiopharmaceutical delivery and treatment support.
Prior to that, on September 24, 2026, BETA partnered with Metro Aviation and Washington County EMS to fly an electric aircraft in an emergency response demonstration in Texas. The FAA and the U.S. Department of Transportation have selected BETA to participate in seven of the eight eIPP programs alongside government and operator partners. According to the company, this represents the highest participation rate of any original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the initiative.
Regulatory pathway and market context
The FAA issued the Special Airworthiness Certificate for market surveys under Part 21 of its regulations. This framework allows manufacturers to demonstrate aircraft capabilities to potential buyers and operators before achieving full type certification.
BETA Technologies (NYSE: BETA), headquartered in South Burlington, Vermont, designs and manufactures electric aircraft alongside advanced electric propulsion and charging systems. The company is currently working toward full FAA type certification and commercial operations for the A250. The ability to conduct customer demonstration flights is intended to accelerate market adoption within the broader AAM industry.
AirPro News analysis
The FAA’s decision to grant a market survey authorization for an eVTOL aircraft marks a distinct shift in the regulatory treatment of Advanced Air Mobility platforms. Until now, eVTOL manufacturers have largely been restricted to experimental research and development flights, limiting prospective operators to simulators or ground-based evaluations. By allowing BETA to fly the A250 with actual stakeholders, the FAA is signaling increased confidence in the safety and maturity of the aircraft’s design.
We view this as a critical commercial catalyst. The ability to demonstrate real-world payload, noise profiles, and operational economics in flight will likely accelerate firm orders and infrastructure planning among early AAM adopters, setting a precedent that other eVTOL developers will undoubtedly seek to follow as they mature their own flight test programs.
Photo Credit: BETA Technologies
Technology & Innovation
Reliable Robotics Raises $115M, Valuation Tops $1 Billion
Reliable Robotics extends its Series D to $275M and crosses a $1B valuation as FAA certification work advances.
Reliable Robotics has secured $115 million in new capital, pushing the autonomous aviation startup’s valuation past the $1 billion mark and accelerating its push toward Federal Aviation Administration certification.
The Mountain View, California-based company announced the funding extension on October 20, 2026, in a press release. The capital injection upsizes its Series D round to $275 million and will fund the expansion of its aircraft fleet and production capacity for its Reliable Autonomy System.
Funding structure and strategic expansion
The new funding consists of $90 million in equity and a $25 million term loan provided by Silicon Valley Bank. This extension follows the initial $160 million Series D round announced on April 21, 2026. The latest injection brings the company’s total equity capital raised to date to more than $380 million.
A broad coalition of investors participated in the round, including Nimble Partners, Gideon Capital, RockCreek, Geek Ventures, Gold Hill Capital, Sparkwave Capital, Island Green Partners, and Allen & Company.
The company will use the funds to scale its operations and expand its physical footprint. Reliable Robotics is opening a new engineering hub in Bothell, Washington, which will serve as a center of excellence for its radar program by tapping into the established aerospace talent pool in the Seattle area. The company is also expanding with a new office in San Diego, California, supporting a workforce that now exceeds 250 employees.
Crossing $1 billion in valuation is a significant milestone in Reliable’s mission to deliver certified autonomous flight systems that make aviation safer and more accessible.
Certification timeline and technology
Reliable Robotics is actively submitting evidence to the FAA for the certification of its continuous autopilot engagement system. The technology is designed to manage engine startup, taxiing, takeoff, and landing while a pilot remains onboard the aircraft. The company expects to achieve FAA certification for this system within 18 to 24 months.
Robert Rose, co-founder and chief executive officer of Reliable Robotics, noted that the company continues to make steady progress and deliver evidence to the FAA, moving closer to certification with each submission.
The company is also developing its solid-state collision-avoidance technology, known as Reliable Radar. Certification for the radar system is expected by the end of 2027. These systems are engineered to prevent the leading causes of aviation accidents, specifically loss of control (LOC) and controlled flight into terrain (CFIT).
A secondary certification phase, which would remove the pilot from the cockpit entirely to enable fully remote operations, is projected to take at least three years.
Retrofitting the existing cargo fleet
Founded in 2017 by former SpaceX and Tesla engineers Robert Rose and Juerg Frefel, Reliable Robotics has adopted a distinct strategy within the autonomous flight sector. Rather than designing and manufacturing clean-sheet aircraft, the company focuses on certifying autonomous systems for integration into existing, proven airframes.
The initial target for commercial certification is the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan, a widely used turboprop in the regional Cargo aircraft market. By retrofitting certified aircraft, Reliable Robotics aims to integrate its technology into the existing National Airspace System without requiring new infrastructure or entirely new regulatory frameworks.
This approach has generated significant market interest. The company has secured over 200 commitments from commercial and military customers. In the defense and government sectors, Reliable Robotics holds a $17.4 million contract with the United States Air Forces and participates in National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase III agreements.
AirPro News analysis
We view the equity-plus-debt structure of this Series D extension as a calculated move by Reliable Robotics to secure necessary runway while minimizing ownership dilution. The autonomous aviation sector is highly capital-intensive, and reaching the certification finish line often requires more funding than initial projections suggest. By securing a $25 million term loan alongside the $90 million in equity, the founders are protecting their cap table while ensuring they have the resources to complete the rigorous FAA certification process.
Furthermore, the company’s strategy of retrofitting the Cessna 208B Grand Caravan provides a clearer path to revenue than competitors attempting to certify entirely new aircraft designs. By focusing on the autonomy system rather than the airframe, Reliable Robotics bypasses the aerodynamic and structural certification hurdles that clean-sheet manufacturers face. The military contracts and NASA agreements also provide non-dilutive capital and operational validation, which likely contributed to the company’s ability to achieve a valuation over $1 billion in a challenging venture capital environment.
Photo Credit: Reliable Robotics
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