Article Posted on : - Dec 22, 2011

An artist's impression of Taranis, a prototype unmanned combat aircraft of the future was unveiled in 2010. Photo (BAE System).

WARTON (BNS): UK Ministry of Defence has signed a four-year Future Combat Air System (FCAS) research contract with BAE Systems to sustain and develop the UK's critical technology and skills in this field.

The USD 62.71 million ($40 million Pound) contract will inform the MoD's unmanned air system strategy over the coming decades to ensure that the best use is made of these new technologies.

Currently, the vast majority of unmanned aircraft flying is surveillance and reconnaissance in support of front line troops, providing them with vital intelligence, and helping to save lives in Afghanistan.

"As part of our ongoing investment, the Ministry of Defence has and will continue to invest in aerospace sector projects like this to ensure that we develop and maintain the UK's formidable strengths in this specialist field," the Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Peter Luff, said.

"This is an important step in ensuring that the MoD continues to develop its capabilities in this area, and is able to exploit potentially game-changing technologies," Dr Nick Joad, head of Defence Science and Technology Laboratory's Air Domain, said.

In 2010, UK MoD has unveiled a prototype called Taranis, which is an unmanned combat aircraft of the future.