France, Germany launch FCAS demonstrator phase

A Franco-German future combat air system (FCAS) initiative formally launched at last year’s Paris air show has secured approval to move into its demonstrator phase.
Finalised by Paris and Berlin on 12 February, the initial framework contract “covers a first period of 18 months and initiates work on developing the demonstrators and maturing cutting-edge technologies,” its industry partners say. The intention is for flight tests to begin “as soon as 2026”, they add.
Dassault will lead work on a proposed Next Generation Fighter, supported by Airbus Defence & Space as its main partner. Such an asset would be operated alongside unmanned remote carriers, being pursued by the Airbus unit and European guided weapons specialist MBDA.
Safran and MTU Aero Engines are to develop a new propulsion system to power the new fighter, while a so-called combat cloud developed by Airbus and Thales will underpin networked operations.
Approval for the Phase 1A activity came after the completion of work conducted during a joint concept study initiated in early 2019.
flightglobal