Airbus finishes pilot phase of FCAS innovation initiative
Projects included a secure combat cloud demonstrator, real-time AI for analysing sensor emissions, and a means of launching UAVs from the A400M
Airbus has concluded the pilot phase of an initiative to involve German start-ups, SMEs and research institutes in development of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).
Innovations for FCAS (I4 FCAS) was launched in April 2020 with funding from the German MoD. During the pilot phase, 18 participants worked on 14 projects covering the gamut of FCAS elements.
In particular, Airbus CyberSecurity worked with Kernkonzept to develop a secure combat cloud demonstrator and Hellsicht developed a demonstrator system applying AI to RF analysis. Hellsicht trained its algorithms on Airbus-provided datasets, allowing for real-time ‘fingerprinting’ of radars and other emitters.
Airbus also worked with Geradts and SFL, with support from German flight laboratory DLR, on creating a system to launch a UAV from an A400M transport aircraft. An agile design and development approach allowed for rapid prototyping and flight readiness in only six months.
Dirk Hoke, CEO of Airbus Defence and Space, said: ‘It is our ambition to continue the initiative in 2021 and beyond, and make it a cornerstone of our FCAS innovation strategy.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Brazilian Air Force conducts first live fire of Meteor missile from Gripen E]()
Brazilian Air Force conducts first live fire of Meteor missile from Gripen E
The major milestone for the beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile was conducted in November and expands the capabilities of the air force’s growing Gripen E fleet.
-
![India finally powers up engine production as it prepares to talk platforms with Putin]()
India finally powers up engine production as it prepares to talk platforms with Putin
Engine technology has been thrust into the spotlight ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to India this week, with the Su-57, S-400 and Kamov-226 expected to be high on the agenda.
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon]()
Leonardo’s Proteus concludes ground tests with maiden flight on horizon
The technology demonstrator forms part of a wider effort to help the Royal Navy explore the potential of uncrewed systems supporting its existing crewed aviation platforms.
-
![Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision]()
Airbus MQ-72C Lakota Connector progress on track ahead of pending USMC decision
The MQ-7C uncrewed aircraft is currently undergoing further internal flight tests ahead of a government test event anticipated for next year.
-
![November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs]()
November Drone Digest: GA-ASI eyes Middle East for Gambit, Edge Group unveils new UAVs
In November 2025, GA-ASI unveiled a new Gambit variant, the Gambit 6, and appears to be pitching the aircraft series to various customers in the Middle East, which is a fast-emerging CCA market. The Dubai Airshow also saw the unveiling of various Emirati aircraft from Edge Group.
