Marshall Aerospace is accelerating its role as a catalyst in the UK’s fast-growing drone sector after being selected to deliver five government-backed SAIL Mark assessments.
Funded by Innovate UK and the Department for Transport through a CAA grant programme, the projects will help UAS manufacturers secure operational authorisation. Marshall’s evaluations—covering SAIL II and SAIL III risk levels—will support diverse applications, from agriculture to security, and include both drones and flight termination systems.
“Being selected as a trusted engineering partner for the CAA, Innovate UK and the Department for Transport is a significant endorsement,” said Mark Hewer, Director for Aero Engineering Services. “Our UAS assessment business is breaking down barriers for new entrants while providing the authoritative guidance needed for the safe scaling of new technologies.”
The SAIL Mark scheme, introduced by the CAA in March 2025, offers independent technical assurance for Specific Category operators. Marshall achieved RAE(F) status shortly after the scheme’s launch, positioning it among the first UK organisations qualified to perform these assessments.
Marshall will deliver independent flightworthiness reports to applicants and the CAA, including compliance analysis and a SAIL Mark recommendation. Final approval rests with the CAA.
Through the grant programme, UK and international manufacturers applied for fully-funded assessments. Recipients, selected by a panel from Innovate UK and the CAA, will see their assessments completed by July 2026.
