German industry teams up to develop sensors for FCAS fighter
Four German companies will work on technology demonstrators for key sensor elements of the FCAS programme. (Image: Hensoldt)
A German consortium, FCMS, consisting of Hensoldt Sensors, Diehl Defence, ESG and Rohde & Schwarz has been commissioned with development of core elements of the sensor network for the FCAS sixth-generation combat aircraft programme, it was announced on 7 February.
'The next-generation air combat system requires an intelligent approach to a platform-independent, networked mission system, high-end sensors and AI-based data analysis,' said Hensoldt CEO Thomas Müller as spokesperson for FCMS. 'This is where German industry with the FCMS consortium will make a significant contribution.'
As part of the broader FCAS effort, FCMS will develop technologies for individual sensors as well as an innovative system of networked sensors. By 2025, technology demonstrators will be created to show the possibilities of the new technologies and a platform-independent collaborative solution for sensors.
On this basis, development will continue in further FCAS demonstrator phases to provide sensor systems for the various platforms of the FCAS network.
In Demonstrator Phase 1B, Hensoldt will work on sensor technology and data fusion as well as electronic warfare and networking, and Diehl Defence on an imaging target locator and targeting sensor suite plus remote carrier concepts. ESG meanwhile will tackle sensor architecture and resource management, as well as networking, simulation and flight test, with Rohde & Schwarz providing resilient air and ground networking as an enabler for the FCAS Combat Cloud.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
NATO’s Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability moves ahead with development contracts
The Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) programme is a transnational effort across NATO to replace a range of helicopters which are expected to begin retiring from the mid-2030s.
-
Raytheon strikes deal with new rocket motor maker to secure supply chain
Raytheon has seen increased demand for its missiles in the face of the Russia-Ukraine war where Kyiv has been using air-to-air missiles for ground-based air-defence.
-
Boeing to upgrade software for KC-46A tanker
The KC-46A upgrades will improve the platform’s mission readiness, performance in challenged airspace and rapid deployment capabilities.
-
Teledyne FLIR promotes ITAR-free Star SAFIRE imaging payload at FIA
The Ultraforce 380-HDc, launched at Farnborough International Airshow, builds on Teledyne FLIR’s successful Star SAFIRE family of systems and is aimed at both the military and security markets.
-
Dutch and Austrian governments collaborate on Embraer C-390 acquisition at Farnborough
The two nations will split the acquisition of the C-390s to boost their airlift capacities.