German industry teams up to develop sensors for FCAS fighter
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
-
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.