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
-
![India officially welcomed as an observer on Eurodrone programme]()
India officially welcomed as an observer on Eurodrone programme
The four-nation medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) uncrewed aerial system (UAS) programme includes France, Germany, Italy and Spain. India’s acceptance as an observer is the second addition to the programme, following Japan in 2023.
-
![Lockheed wins $8.7 million contract for Singapore F-16 upgrades]()
Lockheed wins $8.7 million contract for Singapore F-16 upgrades
The contract modification announced by the DSCA, will cover consolidated spares in support of Singapore’s F-16 upgrade programme.
-
![US Air Force pushes back T-7A production to 2026]()
US Air Force pushes back T-7A production to 2026
The US Air Force (USAF) and Boeing have agreed to adjust parts of the T-&A Red Hawk acquisition, with four more test T-7As being acquired to help improve manufacturing readiness and boost testing capacity.
