CARMENTA looks into next-generation aircraft self-protection
Elettronica is engaged in developing new aircraft self-protection systems (SPSs) under the EU-funded CARMENTA project, the Italian company confirmed on 23 July.
As project coordinator with an €8.1 million ($9.5 million) grant under the European Defence Industrial Development Programme (EDIDP), Elettronica heads a large team comprising Airbus Deutschland, Airbus Defence and Space, Airbus Helicopters España, BPTI, DA Group, Indra, Hensoldt Sensors, Indra, Leonardo, MBDA, Saab, Terma and Thales.
SPSs developed under the 30-month CARMENTA project will equip fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft to counter ‘a wide spectrum of current and evolving threats using different countermeasures’, Elettronica noted in a 23 July announcement.
‘Artificial intelligence and machine learning, alongside open architecture, will ease the integration of these self-protection systems on current and future platforms. These approaches will let equipment be easily updated as it moves through its service life.’
In a separate EDIDP-funded project, Elettronica is working with Leonardo on developing a new C-UAS solution for mini-UAVs and micro-UAVs, under the Joint European System for Countering Unmanned Aerial Systems programme.
More from Air Warfare
-
Lockheed Martin takes financial hit amid ongoing F35 troubles
The company remains in negotiations with the US Government over the Lot 18 and 19 F-35 production contract, following the fourth quarter 2023 US$7.8 billion contract modification.
-
Poland set for $7.3 billion F-16 upgrade
Poland’s Foreign Military Sales (FMS) request is for a range of radar, electronic warfare (EW) and missile and bomb test systems to upgrade its fleet of 48 F-16s.
-
Why is there an “insatiable demand” worldwide for AMRAAM?
Recent contracts and requests to purchase this capability have been reaching multi-billion levels.
-
Insight: How India’s Tri-Service MQ-9B $4 billion deal was awarded
After lengthy negotiations, the Indian Ministry of Defence has now signed a US$4 billion contract with the US Government to procure 31 MQ-9B drones from General Atomics, marking India as the largest customer of this UAV model.
-
WaveAerospace aims to launch production of new UAS platforms in 2025
WaveAerospace has been showcasing its MULE heavy-lift VTOL UAS, designed for contested logistics missions with a payload capacity of more than 40kg and up to four hours of endurance, while also introducing Huntress, a fast multirotor UAS. Both will be expected to enter production by 2025.
-
Teledyne FLIR Defense Wins $91 million deal for Black Hornet 4 UAS
The Black Hornet 4 was unveiled 12 months ago and has an improved thermal sensor and an EO camera over the previous platform, and a forward-facing ultrasound sensor and navigation cameras on the top and sides.