During this 5-month study, we have performed technical, commercial and financial feasibility activities for ESCaPE. We have focused on: identifying and reducing risks; analysing the path to regulatory approval; protecting the IP; and determining the best market position and entry point. Our results are:
1. We have strengthened our strong, unique market position - We are highly competitive both with regards to the novelty of our product (the unique ESCaPE approach), and compared with our nearest competitor’s market strategies.
2. We have improved our Regulatory approach - The complex regulatory environment is in a state of change at present, so committing large time or cost resources in phase 2 would not be wise. We will restrict phase 2 activity to the minimum necessary for permission to perform flight testing, and perform the bulk of the regulatory and certification activity during Phase 3.
3. We have improved our IP and IP strategy - gaining a stronger understanding of the value of our IP, and how to position our IP during ESCaPE’s path to market.
4. We have improved our innovation - Risk of premature exposure of our expanded IP lead us to postpone some end user evaluation work beyond the time scope of the phase 1 project., but also lead us to investigate a novel alternative method for user-testing of our aircraft: pioneering high fidelity virtual reality flight simulators.
5. We have improved our risk awareness and strategies - Our chief risk appears to be securing the right competence to pursue ESCaPE in the short time available before starting the next phase.
6. We have performed preliminary project planning for phase 2.
7. We have confirmed that we can secure the co-funding for phase 2.
8. We have identified further actions to take prior to starting phase 2 - continued first aircraft optimisation: further IP protection: investigating VR prototyping, methods, tools, and end-user evaluation synchronisation.
