Steven Barrett
Founded Cambridge Aerospace in late 2024. Regius Professor of Engineering at the University of Cambridge (appointed effective June 2024); previously head of MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (2010-2024), known for research on electroaerodynamic ('silent') aircraft. Cambridge undergraduate and PhD alumnus.
Steven Barrett is an aerospace engineer and academic who has spent his career between MIT and the University of Cambridge. After an undergraduate degree and PhD at Cambridge and a lecturership there (2008-2010), he joined MIT in 2010, eventually becoming head of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and holding the H.N. Slater Professorship. At MIT he researched aviation's environmental impact - contrail avoidance, sustainable fuels, low-noise propulsion - and led the team that flew the first 'silent' aircraft powered by electroaerodynamic (ionic wind) propulsion in 2018, a Physics World Breakthrough of the Year. In 2024 he returned to Cambridge as Regius Professor of Engineering and co-founded Cambridge Aerospace with Chris Sylvan (formerly of Anduril), building low-cost counter-drone and counter-missile interceptors (Skyhammer, Starhammer) for the UK, Europe, and allied militaries against Shahed-type drones and cruise missiles. He remains both Regius Professor at Cambridge and Founder & CEO of Cambridge Aerospace.
Overview
- Role
- Founder & CEO, Cambridge Aerospace; Regius Professor of Engineering, University of Cambridge
- Based in
- Cambridge, England, UK
- Prior experience
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Head of the Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics; 2010-2024)
- X / Twitter
- x.com/stevenrhbarrett
Affiliated funds0
No linked records yet.
Frequently asked
- Who is Steven Barrett?
- Steven Barrett is an aerospace engineer and academic who has spent his career between MIT and the University of Cambridge. After an undergraduate degree and PhD at Cambridge and a lecturership there (2008-2010), he joined MIT in 2010, eventually becoming head of the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and holding the H.N. Slater Professorship. At MIT he researched aviation's environmental impact - contrail avoidance, sustainable fuels, low-noise propulsion - and led the team that flew the first 'silent' aircraft powered by electroaerodynamic (ionic wind) propulsion in 2018, a Physics World Breakthrough of the Year. In 2024 he returned to Cambridge as Regius Professor of Engineering and co-founded Cambridge Aerospace with Chris Sylvan (formerly of Anduril), building low-cost counter-drone and counter-missile interceptors (Skyhammer, Starhammer) for the UK, Europe, and allied militaries against Shahed-type drones and cruise missiles. He remains both Regius Professor at Cambridge and Founder & CEO of Cambridge Aerospace.
- What is Steven Barrett's role?
- Steven Barrett is Founder & CEO, Cambridge Aerospace; Regius Professor of Engineering, University of Cambridge, based in Cambridge, England, UK.
- Where did Steven Barrett work before?
- Steven Barrett's prior roles include Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Head of the Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics; 2010-2024).
Sources & citations5
Each claim links to its underlying source. Confidence reflects how directly the source supports the claim.
- 1
Steven Barrett, founder of Skyhammer-maker Cambridge Aerospace, appointed Regius Professor of Engineering at the University of Cambridge effective June 2024, having previously led MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics since 2010
University of Cambridge: Steven Barrett appointed Regius Professor of EngineeringVerified2024-06-01 - 2
Barrett co-founded Cambridge Aerospace in 2024 with Chris Sylvan (ex-Anduril), building Skyhammer/Starhammer interceptors
Tectonic Defense: Cambridge Aerospace Emerges from the ShadowsVerified2026-08-08 - 3
Barrett appointed Regius Professor of Engineering at Cambridge effective June 1, 2024, after heading MIT's Dept. of Aeronautics and Astronautics; Cambridge undergrad/PhD alumnus (Pembroke College), Cambridge lecturer 2008-2010
University of Cambridge: Steven Barrett appointed Regius Professor of EngineeringVerified2026-08-08 - 4
Barrett led the MIT team that flew the first 'ion plane' with no moving parts using electroaerodynamic/ionic-wind propulsion (2018), a Physics World Breakthrough of the Year
MIT News: First flight of 'ionic wind' plane with no moving partsVerified2026-08-08 - 5
Cambridge Aerospace's Skyhammer interceptor engages threats at up to ~30 km range at ~Mach 0.7, targeting Shahed-type drones at low cost; company chaired by Grant Shapps
Tech Funding News: Cambridge Aerospace seeks $300M at $3.5B valuation as NATO militaries hunt cheaper ways to kill dronesVerified2026-08-08