MBDA to continue MCM- ITP programme work
MBDA will continue research and development work for the Materials and Components for Missiles - Innovation and Technology Partnership (MCM-ITP) programme, following the issue of new a contract by the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) and French DGA.
The MCM-ITP programme is designed to enable technologies to be matured in the laboratory. Once validated, the technology can be integrated in technology demonstrators of missiles, equipment or missile systems, before being used by the armed forces in weapons which could enter into service during the next decade and beyond.
Under the business model, 50% of funding is contributed by industry, and over 100 industrial partners, SMEs, research centres and academia in France and the UK have entered the partnership over the last six years.
This second phase of the programme will see research and technology development in the defence sector continue under the programme through to 2015 and beyond.
Steve Wadey, executive group director technical and managing director UK, MBDA, said: ‘The principle of the MCM-ITP programme is unique in the defence sector allowing France and the UK to collaborate closely in their research and technology objectives. At its heart is the drive for innovation and we allocate 30% of the funds to SMEs and public and private laboratories. Preparing the right technologies for the future generation of missile systems with high levels of innovation provides a foundation for a competitive and integrated industrial base in France and the UK.’
MBDA and the MCM-ITP industrial consortium are now opening an annual call for research proposals during December 2013.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy]()
SEA to trial sonar software for UK Royal Navy
The UK Royal Navy’s anti-submarine warfare Spearhead programme, run by the service’s Develop Directorate, has been investigating future and existing technologies with a particular focus on the USV arena.
-
![Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD]()
Australia’s new frigate options: No easy choices as pressure mounts on DoD
A new class of General Purpose ‘Tier 2’ frigate will replace the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN’s) Anzac-class frigates, but the selected design options appear to have major issues in terms of compatibility and availability for the future fleet.
-
![Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership]()
Royal Navy welcomes mine-hunting mothership
RFA Stirling Castle, a 6,000-tonne vessel, will start operations later this year.
-
![Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production]()
Norway’s aim to purchase new frigates may impact Royal Navy’s own fleet production
The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has only so far confirmed that discussions have been taking place with BAE Systems, but a decision has yet to be made, according to The Telegraph.
-
![Royal Navy to receive DragonFire laser system]()
Royal Navy to receive DragonFire laser system
The UK Ministry of Defense (MoD) made the decision to accelerate the laser programme from the demonstrational stage to an operational laser weapon.
