Article Posted on : - Nov 29, 2014

Future Combat Air System (FCAS). Photo: Dassault Aviation

ROME (BNS): France and United Kingdom have launched the feasibility phase of the Future Combat Air System programme to carry out the system definition of an Anglo-French remotely-piloted combat aircraft.

Following the completion of the study at the end of 2016, work could then commence on an Unmanned Air Combat System (UCAS) demonstration development programme.

The total value of the feasibility phase contract led by BAE Systems and Dassault is euro 150M.

The contract has been assigned by Laurent Collet-Billon, head of the French defence procurement agency (DGA), and Bernard Gray, Chief of Defence Materiel at the UK Ministry of Defence.

As part of the feasibility phase, Finmeccanica - Selex ES and Thales have been awarded contracts to lead, specify and define the FCAS's multifunction sensor suite and communications sub-systems.

During this two year contract, the two European leaders will collaborate in a 50/50 work share. In addition, the companies will also define the sensor suite and communication roadmaps and identify the costs associated with producing an operational FCAS.

The cooperation also includes joint technology maturation activities to inform the design activities. The two companies will involve other sectors of UK and French industry as appropriate.

In the airborne sensors domain, Finmeccanica - Selex ES and Thales are partners of choice of Ministries of Defence in the UK and France as well as of BAE Systems and Dassault Aviation.

By providing innovative sensor solutions, the companies sustain and develop sovereign technologies and a critical skills base in the UK and in France that will be of benefit to both manned and unmanned new generation combat platforms.