Bell selected over Boeing to build DARPA SPRINT X-Plane
The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
Using capabilities across all domains NATO hopes to get a much more complete and accurate ISR picture (Northrop Grumman)
NATO’s future surveillance capability is set to be radically different from its existing Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft.
The ageing 14 E-3A Sentry AWACS are set to be replaced by 2035 with a new system-of-systems that will include a mix of manned and unmanned airborne platforms networked with space, ground and maritime assets. These will be introduced under the Alliance Future Surveillance and Control (AFSC) project.
Due to the complexity of AFSC, the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has awarded three separate industry teams a €15.5 million ($17.08 million) contract each for the Risk Reduction and Feasibility Studies
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The programme first began in 2023 with Bell and Boeing’s concepts progressing to Phase 1B, in which testing has been carried out over the last year.
The report discloses that while the capability provided by the F-35 is superior to previous UK aircraft, delays from the UK Ministry of Defence on the programme have significantly impacted the country’s warfighting capabilities.
The new ‘Entente Industrielle’ will work on a range of other projects to boost the UK economy and defence industry, including joint development on new high-tech frequency weapons and extended range air-to-air missiles.
The E-7A is one of three aircraft submitted for the South Korean AEW&C II competition, which seeks to acquire four more aircraft of the type for its air force by 2028.
Tensions on the programme have long simmered, with Airbus and Dassault recently clashing over workshare in June ahead of the Paris Air Show. The sixth-generation fighter programme is due to replace Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon jets beginning in 2040.
The trainer aircraft recently completed the second round of extreme weather trials after enduring icy, windy and sunny conditions.