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#BRES Blencowe Resources PLC – Successful Hypersonic Rocket Testing
Blencowe Resources Plc (LSE: BRES) is pleased to report further successful testing of Orom-Cross graphite products within advanced aerospace and defence applications.
On 18 August 2026 American Energy Technologies Co (“AETC”), Pluto Aerospace, Purdue University and US Government Agencies, together with Blencowe COO Iain Wearing, attended a rocket test programme in Las Cruces, New Mexico. The successful Pluto Aerospace solid-fuel rocket flight achieved a maximum speed of Mach 5.5 and acceleration approaching 150G, representing a substantial increase in speed and acceleration from the previous test programme undertaken in April.
Importantly, Orom-Cross graphite was incorporated across multiple critical components aboard the hypersonic vehicle, including an ablative rocket nozzle insert, performance-enhancing coatings applied to the rocket fins and natural graphite used within the lithium-ion battery powering the rocket’s altimeter.
The successful test further demonstrates the potential for Orom-Cross graphite to access specialist, high-value aerospace and defence markets, supporting Blencowe’s strategy to continually develop higher-value product pathways as Orom-Cross advances towards production.
Highlights
· Successful hypersonic rocket flight in the USA incorporating Orom-Cross graphite across multiple critical components
· Pluto Aerospace rocket achieved a maximum speed of Mach 5.5 and acceleration approaching 150G
· Orom-Cross graphite incorporated within an advanced ablative rocket nozzle insert manufactured by AETC
· Orom-Cross natural graphite used in performance-enhancing anti-friction and ice-phobic coatings applied to the rocket fins
· Lithium-ion battery powering the rocket’s altimeter used natural graphite supplied by Blencowe alongside recycled graphite, with zero synthetic graphite
· Successful testing further demonstrates the potential for Orom-Cross graphite within high-value aerospace and military applications
· High-end defence applications provide potential pathways to new strategic offtake relationships and funding opportunities
· Continued collaboration with US graphite technical specialist AETC is opening further value-added applications for Orom-Cross graphite
· Further orbital testing planned for Q4 2026
Blencowe provided graphite concentrates from Orom-Cross to technical partner AETC, which manufactured mouldings for rocket and missile exhaust nozzles replacing a proportion of the synthetic graphites normally used in these applications. The resultant nozzles underwent rigorous testing prior to installation on the rocket.
The initial testing programme is being undertaken with Pluto Aerospace for hypersonic sub-orbital rockets, with orbital testing planned for the final quarter of 2026.
The successful flight conducted on 18 August 2026 utilised a substantially larger motor than the previous test undertaken in April, achieving a maximum speed of Mach 5.5 and acceleration approaching 150G.
In addition to the highly innovative rocket motor, Orom-Cross graphite was incorporated into several important components aboard the hypersonic vehicle:
· an advanced ablative nozzle insert manufactured by AETC for enhanced thrust performance;
· performance-enhancing anti-friction and ice-phobic coatings applied to the rocket’s four aluminium fins; and
· natural graphite used within the lithium-ion battery powering the rocket’s altimeter.
Of special note is the application of 3.8 Ah pouch cells, manufactured by Navitas Systems incorporating manufactured natural graphite supplied by Blencowe together with recycled graphite produced through AETC’s direct recycling process. The battery incorporated up to 15 wt.% recycled and “healed” graphite produced through AETC’s direct recycling process and represents the first known example in the North American battery industry of a fully functional form-factored battery incorporating industrially manufactured recycled graphite as a significant component of both the active material and cathode conductivity additive.
Importantly, the battery, comprised of 100% natural flake graphite from raw and recycled materials, with no synthetic graphites, further demonstrating the potential for Orom-Cross graphite to be utilised within specialist, high-value military and aerospace applications.
With the launch of this rocket, Pluto Aerospace and AETC highlighted a group of trusted vendors and raw material suppliers involved in the programme, including Navitas Systems, an advanced U.S. battery manufacturer; Blencowe Resources plc, the supplier of Orom-Cross graphite used in rocket nozzles, battery and ice phobic coatings aboard the flight; and Cadoux Limited, a supplier of nanoscale alumina used as a critical safety component of lithium-ion batteries.
Executive Chairman Cameron Pearce commented:
“These results continue to highlight the emergence of Orom-Cross graphite as an important source of high-quality graphite products for use in military and aerospace applications. There are relatively few graphite projects worldwide capable of supplying the quality of products required for these specialist applications, which may open new offtake relationships and strategic opportunities and places Orom-Cross in a strong position moving forward as we advance towards first production.”
As we complete funding for P1 Production and move to building the first stage of operations, we are continuously testing new products and adding new offtakers, each of which builds further value within the Project. Our strategy is to differentiate Orom-Cross from other graphite projects by targeting the most lucrative markets available to us, through both our products and strategic relationships.”
For further information please contact:
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Blencowe Resources Plc |
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Sam Quinn (Director) |
Tel: +44 (0)1624 681 250
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Sasha Sethi (Investor Relations) |
Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441
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Tavira Financial (Joint Broker):
Jonathan Evans |
Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733 |
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Oak Securities (Joint Broker): Mungo Sheehan / Jerry Keen |
Tel: +44 (0)20 3973 3678 |
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Cavendish (Joint Broker):
Neil McDonald / Peter Lynch / Hanna Leijonmarck |
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7908 6000 |
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Diagram 1 : Showing latest Pluto rocket tested using Orom-Cross graphite




Diagram 2 : Rocket nozzle utilising Orom-Cross materials

Diagram 3 : Rocket Fins with Orom-Cross Ico phobic coatings applied to four sides (different samples), plus control sample (beige side)

Diagram 4 : Battery cell composed of 85% natural graphite (Orom-Cross) and 15% recycled graphite
#BRES Blencowe Resources PLC – Rocket Component Testing Programme
Blencowe Resources Plc (LSE: BRES) is pleased to announce that graphite concentrate from its Orom-Cross Graphite Project in Uganda has been used in a rocket component testing programme in the United States (California), with the initial test firing successfully completed and early observations indicating encouraging performance in high-temperature applications.
The Company provided Orom-Cross graphite concentrates to American Energy Technologies Company (“AETC”) who manufactured mouldings designed for use in rocket propulsion nozzles, including defence-related test applications. These nozzles were developed to evaluate the replacement of a percentage of the synthetic graphite typically used in such components and to assess the suitability of Orom-Cross material in high-temperature environments.
A recent test firing programme was attended by representatives from Pluto Aerospace, Purdue University and various US Government Agencies alongside Blencowe’s Chief Operating Officer Iain Wearing. The programme successfully completed the planned test runs, and data is now being analysed by the parties involved. Blencowe expects to provide further updates as additional milestones are reached.
The testing application was conducted with Pluto Aerospace on its hypersonic sub-orbital rocket platform in the initial programme. Further testing is planned and, subject to programme scheduling and technical outcomes, orbital testing is expected in the latter half of 2026.
In parallel, AETC has also been testing graphite-based coatings applied to rocket fin components to evaluate durability under hypersonic conditions and icephobic properties (surfaces designed to repel ice, prevent ice formation, or significantly reduce ice adhesion), with potential applicability across military and civilian aircraft environments. While the recorded data remains under analysis, initial observational performance has been encouraging, and the Company will update the market as results become available.
Strategic relevance and Next Steps
· Real-world validation: live firing provides an important proof point beyond laboratory testing
· Specialty market potential: propulsion nozzle and coating applications may represent another niche, high-value pathway for a portion of Orom-Cross production
· Military and space programme applications: the more value-enhancing strategic relationships Blencowe and AETC can build within US Government agencies, and associated technology providers, the more likely offtakes and/or funding from this direction
· Programme progression: further testing is planned/expected, subject to counterparties’ schedules, qualification requirements and programme timing
The Company notes that elements of these programmes involve both government and commercial stakeholders and are subject to strict confidentiality and third-party processes. Accordingly, Blencowe will provide updates as and when disclosure is permitted and appropriate in line with its regulatory obligations.
Executive Chairman Cameron Pearce commented:
“These latest tests are an encouraging validation step to highlight the importance of high-quality graphite in specialist defence, aerospace and energy applications. We thank AETC for their support in enabling real-world evaluation of Orom-Cross material.
Proof that Orom-Cross product stands up to the most rigorous testing validates both the quality of our products as well as the use of graphite within these applications.
Demonstrating performance in live rocket test conditions with various US Government agencies in attendance showcases Orom-Cross graphite at the highest levels. With further testing phases planned, including orbital testing expected in the latter half of 2026, we believe this supports higher-value offtake pathways beyond standard concentrate sales. These all help to continuously add more value to our overall Orom-Cross strategy and our commercial model.”
Image 1: Pluto Aerospace hypersonic sub-orbital test vehicle prior to firing (California, USA).

Image 2: Graphite-based coating trial on fin components (durability and icephobic testing).

Image 3 – Graphite coating on specialist military and aerospace products

For further information please contact:
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Blencowe Resources Plc |
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Sam Quinn (Director) |
Tel: +44 (0)1624 681 250
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Sasha Sethi (Investor Relations) |
Tel: +44 (0) 7891 677 441 |
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Tavira Financial (Joint Broker):
Jonathan Evans |
Tel: +44 (0)20 3192 1733 |
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Oak Securities (Joint Broker):
Calvin Man /Mungo Sheehan / Jerry Keen |
Tel: +44 (0)20 3973 3678 |
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Atlantic View – Rolls Royce has the tools to engineer a recovery

by John Woolfitt, Atlantic Capital Markets
Rolls Royce has the tools to engineer a recovery.
Fundamentals & Statement Summary

Aero engineering giant Rolls-Royce (RR.) this morning unveiled interim results for H1 2020, and reported a significant H1 impact from COVID-19, adding that the timing and shape of industry recovery remains uncertain. The group reported a 24% fall in underlying revenues of £5.6bn, down 24%, and an operating loss of £1.7bn including one-off charges of £1.2bn in Civil Aerospace, largely related to COVID-19. The reported loss before tax of £5.4bn included a £2.6bn non-cash loss from the revaluation of the FX hedge book, reflecting lower forecast US$ receipts.
Rolls also reported good liquidity of £6.1bn comprising £4.2bn of cash at 30 June, and a £1.9bn undrawn revolving credit facility (RCF). A further £2bn undrawn term loan was also announced in July and finalised in August. The group ended H1 with net debt of £1.7bn excluding lease liabilities (FY 2019 net cash of £1.4bn).
The group reported successful actions to reduce costs, with £350m delivered in H1 towards a 2020 target of £1bn. These actions included a fundamental restructuring of Civil Aerospace, with a 4,000 group headcount reduction by 27 August, with further potential disposals expected to raise at least £2bn, including ITP Aero and other assets.
The Board decided that given the uncertain macro outlook they would no longer be recommending a final shareholder payment of 7.1 pence per share in respect of 2019, resulting in cash savings equivalent to £137m. For the same reasons, the Board has not approved an interim shareholder payment for 2020. A range of options to further strengthen the balance sheet are currently under review.
CEO Warren East commented: “We ended 2019 with good operational and financial momentum. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected our 2020 performance, with an unprecedented impact on the civil aviation sector with flights grounded across the world. We have responded rapidly to increase our liquidity, with £6.1bn at the end of H1 and a further £2.0bn term loan agreed in H2, to help weather the continued uncertainty around the timing and shape of the recovery in the civil aviation sector. We have made significant progress with our restructuring, which includes the largest reorganisation of our Civil Aerospace business in our history. This restructuring has caused us to take difficult decisions resulting in an unfortunate but necessary reduction in roles. These actions will significantly reduce our cost base, which combined with recovery in Power Systems and continued resilience in Defence, will help us to deliver significantly improved returns as the world recovers from the pandemic.
While our actions have helped to secure the Group’s immediate future, we recognise the material uncertainties resulting from COVID-19 and the need to rebuild our balance sheet for the longer term. We have identified a number of potential disposals that are expected to generate proceeds of more than £2bn, including ITP Aero and a number of other assets. Furthermore, in light of ongoing uncertainty in the civil aviation sector, we are continuing to assess additional options to strengthen our balance sheet to enable us to emerge from the pandemic well placed to capitalise on the long-term opportunities in all our markets.”
Chart and Technicals

Source: FactSet and Hargreaves Lansdown
In line with aerospace industry stocks and the majority of FTSE100 constituents, RR shares fell sharply through February and into March, twice bouncing off a 250p then multi-year low. Despite recovering and punching back above the 50-day moving average in May, the stock succumbed again at the start of July, trading below the yellow MA envelope, even briefly dipping below 250p to set a new multi-year low at 212p before recovering in the run up to the results. The NVI (negative volume index (traded volume to determine trend strength or confirm a price movement) has improved since the end of June, and if RR can ‘climb back’ into the price range envelope after the results today, and in the process regain the 50-day moving average, then recovery of the falling 200-day MA is possible, although expect a retest of 212p multi-year lows before any sustained recovery.
Summary and Atlantic View
While it’s aerospace counterparts face something akin to a perfect storm, as a corporate entity Rolls Royce has many more strings to its proverbial bow. It is this multi-sector offering that will ultimately be the saviour of this iconic company, and while the group are rightly hailed as the world’s leading aero engine manufacturer, a solid cash / liquidity position has enabled Rolls Royce to pivot rapidly to meet the COVID challenge. A resilient ongoing defence business performance and a recovery in Power Systems provide Rolls with the time to decide on the best course of action to restructure and streamline the aerospace business, and with actions / disposals already underway in this regard, the catalysts will soon be in place to drive a recovery. The decision to suspend the dividend will no doubt see some investors look elsewhere, but despite COVID uncertainties, Atlantic believes Rolls Royce has the tools at its disposal to engineer a decent recovery in the share price by December 2020. We recommend buying the shares on the current weakness.
To take advantage of this trading idea, speak to a member of our dealing team on 01872 229000 or visit the Atlantic Capital Markets website here


