Why SCAF and GCAP should seek common ground
GCAP is a direct rival to the other European sixth-gen combat aircraft initiative SCAF. (Photo: BAE Systems)
Can international industrial collaboration to develop common technologies applicable to different future aircraft programmes – like GCAP or SCAF – prevail in the face of politics?
International industrial collaboration to develop common technologies and subsystems that are applicable to different – and even potential rival – aircraft programmes make perfect sense on paper.
Yet can this approach exist in the face of politics and operational requirements that demand a 100% perfect solution?
While Dassault’s independently developed Rafale has proved both successful for its country of origin as well as for export and is intended for service into the 2050s and beyond, the new effort on the block in France is the Système de Combat Aérien du Futur, or SCAF, intended to replace older canard-delta designs during
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin emphasises self-funding efforts for “big bet” next-gen prototypes]()
Lockheed Martin emphasises self-funding efforts for “big bet” next-gen prototypes
A significant effort is now being made to focus on showcasing prototypes directly to demonstrate various capabilities to the US government.
-
![Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept]()
Shield AI unveils new autonomous VTOL fighter jet concept
Named X-Bat, the AI-controlled vertical take-off and landing drone is expected to enter production by 2029, with first flight tests estimated to take place a year earlier.
-
![How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)]()
How satcom is shaping the future of fast, accurate warfare (podcast)
"Speed is the key advantage and accuracy is the key outcome": Amazon Kuiper Government Solutions’ Rick Freeman talks to Shephard’s Georgia Lewis about how space-as-a-service is transforming defence connectivity and access to satellite capabilities.
-
![US Army order for CH-47F Block II aircraft takes total contracted to 18 in rapid fielding effort]()
US Army order for CH-47F Block II aircraft takes total contracted to 18 in rapid fielding effort
Boeing has delivered six Chinook CH-47F Block II production helicopters to the US Army, with the helicopters now undergoing a series of evaluations to demonstrate their enhanced capabilities. The company is working with the army on a path forward for Lot 6.
