From Concept to Certification. Trusted UK SORA, Airworthiness & Design Engineering Experts.
Consulting
Cranfield, GB
Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS) is one of the UK's leading aviation engineering and certification organisations, providing independent consultancy services for UK SORA, RPAS airworthiness, aircraft design, modification, and regulatory approval. With over 30 years of aerospace engineering excellence, CAeS supports clients across civil, defence, and uncrewed aviation sectors, helping organisations navigate complex regulatory challenges and bring innovative aircraft and UAV systems into operation safely and compliantly. Our multidisciplinary team delivers end-to-end support, from operational concept development and UK SORA assessments through to aircraft design, safety analysis, flight test programmes, certification planning, and regulatory engagement. We combine practical engineering experience with deep airworthiness expertise to reduce programme risk, accelerate approvals, and enable successful deployment. CAeS has contributed to more than 750 air vehicle programmes, including conventional aircraft, rotorcraft, advanced air mobility platforms, defence systems, and next-generation uncrewed aircraft. Recent projects have included the development of hydrogen-electric propulsion systems and hydrogen-native UAV platforms, placing CAeS at the forefront of sustainable aviation innovation. As a holder of UK CAA Part 21J Design Organisation Approval, BCAR A8-21 approval, and MAA DAOS approval covering aeroplanes, helicopters, and RPAS, CAeS offers a unique combination of regulatory authority, practical engineering capability, and operational experience. Our team regularly supports compliance strategies across CS-23, CS-25, CS-27, CS-29 and equivalent international certification frameworks, working closely with authorities including the UK CAA, EASA, FAA, TCCA, GACA, and military airworthiness organisations worldwide. Whether you require a UK SORA submission, certification strategy, aircraft modification approval, flight-test support, or complete design engineering services, CAeS provides the expertise to take your programme from concept to certified operation.
CAAUK Civil Aviation Authority
EASAEuropean Union Aviation Safety AgencyThe challenge
From concept to flight test in less than 12 months.
The solution
A highly experienced team with strong airworthiness and certification background pushing through the UK SORA process.
The output
A hydrogen-native, blended wing body, multi-mission drone platform.
Johannes Hien
Your point of contact
I am the Head of Design at Cranfield Aerospace Solutions (CAeS), leading aircraft design, certification, and airworthiness activities across civil, defence, and uncrewed aviation programmes. My expertise spans UK SORA, RPAS airworthiness, certification strategy, design assurance, aircraft modification, and regulatory compliance, helping organisations navigate complex approval pathways and bring innovative aviation technologies into service safely and efficiently. Working within one of the UK's few organisations holding both Civil and Military Design Organisation Approvals, I support aircraft developers, operators, regulators, and government stakeholders in developing practical engineering and certification solutions aligned with UK CAA, EASA, FAA, TCCA, and military airworthiness requirements. My experience covers conventional aircraft, uncrewed air systems, defence systems, and next-generation hydrogen-powered aviation technologies. From concept development and safety assessment through to certification, flight testing, and operational approval, I help clients bridge the gap between engineering innovation and regulatory compliance, enabling safe, certifiable, and commercially viable aviation operations.
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