Our History

A legacy of innovation since 1931

Slingsby Advanced Composites has built a reputation over nine decades as a pioneer in British aerospace and composite engineering. From crafting the UK’s most iconic gliders in the 20th century to delivering advanced composite structures for defence, marine, and aerospace platforms today, our legacy is defined by technical excellence, adaptability, and trust.

Founded in 1931 by WWI RAF veteran Frederick Nicholas Slingsby, the company began by designing and building gliders in Scarborough before relocating to Kirkbymoorside. By the 1970s, Slingsby had produced over half of all British club gliders and won international acclaim—including a standout performance at the 1952 World Gliding Championships.

During and after WWII, Slingsby supplied training gliders for the Air Training Corps (ATC), playing a key role in developing aviation skills across Britain.

In the 1980s, the company shifted focus to powered aircraft and high-performance composite materials. The Slingsby T-67 Firefly, a fully composite military trainer, was one such success—used extensively by defence forces worldwide.

Through acquisitions by Vickers, ML Holdings, Cobham, and later Marshall Aerospace, the company expanded into marine and aerospace systems—building hovercraft, GRP structures, and mission-critical components for harsh environments.

In 2025, Slingsby entered a new chapter under Swedish ownership, joining Mangohöjden AB. As Slingsby Advanced Composites, we continue to deliver precision composite solutions—trusted by military, aerospace, and industrial partners around the world.