Certo Aerospace Ltd, a British aerospace company headquartered in Somerset, has announced it has raised more than £3 million in fresh capital through an equity placement. The funds will be used to fast-track the development and testing of the company’s flagship uncrewed air system (UAS), designed to enhance defense operations and support humanitarian and disaster relief missions.
The company’s leading platform, known as CAPSTONE, is a next-generation Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drone. With its coaxial rotor system featuring two contra-rotating 5-meter blades and no tail rotor, CAPSTONE delivers improved energy efficiency and lift. Eliminating the tail rotor, which typically consumes up to 20% of a helicopter’s energy, allows the drone to operate with greater endurance and payload flexibility.
CAPSTONE has a flight range of 300 miles and can stay airborne for up to eight hours. It can carry up to 300 kilograms in combined payload and fuel, equivalent to its own dry weight. These specifications place it among the most capable VTOL aircraft in its category under UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) GROUP 3 rules, which cover drones with a maximum take-off weight of 600 kilograms.
The drone is currently undergoing flight testing with multiple UK government agencies across southwest England. Trials are being conducted at former military airfields previously used by the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, and Army. CAPSTONE is designed to launch from both land and sea platforms, filling a strategic gap between small commercial drones and manned helicopters in terms of operational range and carrying capacity.
Certo’s recent funding round exceeded expectations. “At our pre-deal valuation of £16 million, we’re thrilled that demand outstripped our original target,” said Managing Director Justin Tooth. “This allows us to accelerate flight testing of our 600kg VTOL platform and demonstrate our progress at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed.”
The new investment follows more than $5 million in funding previously received from the U.S. Department of Defense. Certo is actively positioning CAPSTONE for integration into both UK and U.S. defense and civil drone programs.
Certo Aerospace Chairman Jonathan Tate credited strong momentum in defense and autonomous technology sectors, along with public interest generated by drone flight footage on social media, for the funding success. “Investors quickly recognized that CAPSTONE is not just another drone—it’s a highly capable, long-range, multi-role unmanned helicopter,” he said.
The public will get a closer look at CAPSTONE at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking place July 10–13. The drone will be featured in the festival’s Future Lab exhibition, a showcase of global technology innovations curated by Lucy Johnston and presented by Randox. British astronaut Tim Peake will return as Future Lab Ambassador, underscoring the exhibition’s theme: Technology for a Better World.
