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
-
Doodle Labs expands use of its radios on UAV systems
Mesh Rider is a SWaP (Size, Weight and Power) optimised mesh radio designed for uncrewed systems and supports six frequency bands in a single transceiver and AES-256 encryption. It was developed in cooperation with the US Defense Innovation Unit.
-
NATO’s E-3A fleet more important than ever, says force commander
NATO’s E-3A fleet will have been in service for more than half a century by the time of their expected retirement but a boost to the capability and conflict elsewhere have highlighted their importance.
-
NATO progresses effort to replace E-3A AWACS fleet
NATO’s E-3A AWACS fleet has been scheduled for retirement from 2035. The NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has been leading the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) project to develop new options for future surveillance and control capabilities, based on future technology and requirements.