In a series of ground-breaking flight trials that took place in the skies above north-west Wales, the BAE Systems MAGMA unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) demonstrated two innovative flow control technologies, which could revolutionize future aircraft design.

The technologies have been designed to improve the control and performance of aircraft. By replacing moving surfaces with a simpler ‘blown air’ solution, the trials have paved the way for engineers to create better performing aircraft that are lighter, more reliable and cheaper to operate. The technologies could also improve an aircraft’s stealth as they reduce the number of gaps and edges that currently make aircraft more observable on radar. Read more.