VRCO Ltd, a Midlands-based aviation company working on a flying car, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Graphitene Ltd, which produces advanced nanomaterials.

It believes that the use of graphene will reduce the weight of aircraft and (along with enhanced battery storage) extend their range, while improving strength and safety.

Mike Smith, chairman and co-founder of VRCO (www.vrco.co.uk), said: “This MoU ensures that VRCO will have a reliable supply of advanced nanomaterials, allowing the company to plan well into the future in terms of aircraft evolution.”

Graphitene CEO Gaute Juliussen said: “We are delighted that our naturally produced high-quality graphene and vertically integrated fully scalable industrial production has been recognised for delivering significant benefits to the NeoXcraft airframe and power- storage architecture.

“Working with such a great team to develop these applications is a pleasure, and we are already seeing serious dividends from this collaboration.”