Dassault Aviation: Preparing for the Future of Combat Aerospace


 

Preparing for the Future of Combat Aerospace
Work Commences on €150m/£120m Two Year French-UK Study Contracts
for Next Generation Combat Aircraft

Dassault Aviation, BAE Systems and their industrial partners have been awarded a €150m/£120m contract by the French and UK governments for a two year co-operative Future Combat Air System (FCAS) Feasibility Phase study, formally signaling the start of work.  This is the first step towards what could become a full demonstration programme that shapes the future of combat aerospace in Europe.

Saint-Cloud, France, November 5th, 2014: Following the political-level agreement announced at the Farnborough Air Show in July this year, Dassault Aviation and BAE Systems are pleased to have been awarded a two-year contract by the French and UK governments to help define the Franco-British requirement for a Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme.

The contract was officially awarded to Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, and Ian King, CEO of BAE Systems, by the heads of the French and British defence procurement agencies, Laurent Collet-Billon, Délégué Général pour l'Armement for the French DGA, and Bernard Gray, Chief of Defence Materiel for the UK MoD, during a ceremony at Dassault Aviation's headquarters, Saint Cloud, France.

Eric Trappier said: "We welcome this new step, which prepares the future of both manned and unmanned combat air systems.  It ensures French and British companies to maintain their technological excellence which is vital to their competitiveness in a globalized environment.  It mainly shows the commitment of France and Britain in their ambition to remain leading aviation powers".

Ian King said: "This contract award is a key step in the partnership between our two nations, governments, and industries.  The Feasibility Phase will allow UK and French industry to work closely together and provide a strong foundation for a potential follow-on Future Combat Air System Demonstration programme as well as supporting a number of highly skilled jobs."

Cooperation between France and the UK is seen as the optimum way to progress a UCAS (Unmanned Combat Air System) solution, whilst supporting both governments' intentions for closer defence ties.  The joint study contract of €150m/£120m is to be supplemented with additional French and UK national funding to the combined value of €100m/£80m in the same period.

The two-year study will build the foundations on which a long-term joint programme will be based by focusing on the following key points:
- The development of concepts for an operational system, and
- The maturation of key technologies that will be required for a future operational UCAS.

Following the completion of the study at the end of 2016, work could then commence on a UCAS demonstration development programme that addresses both nations' future military requirements.

The Feasibility Phase will sustain hundreds of highly skilled jobs at Dassault Aviation and BAE Systems with more jobs sustained by Rolls-Royce, Selex ES, Snecma (Safran), Thales and SME's involved in the programme.  In addition, the contract supports the strategically important Military Aerospace Industries in both nations and is testament to the importance that the French and UK governments place in maintaining a cutting edge, sovereign military air capability.

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About Dassault Aviation
With more than 8,000 military and civil aircraft delivered to 83 countries over the past 60 years, and having logged nearly 28 million flight hours to date, Dassault Aviation can offer recognized know-how and experience in the design, development, sale and support of all types of aircraft, from the Rafale fighter to the Falcon range of high-end business jets, as well as military unmanned air systems.  In 2013, Dassault Aviation reported revenues of €4.59 billion, with around 11,600 employees.

www.dassault-aviation.com
Follow us on Twitter: @Dassault_OnAir

About BAE Systems
At BAE Systems, we serve the needs of our customers by delivering a wide range of advanced defence, aerospace and security solutions that provide a performance edge.  We work together with local partners to develop, engineer, manufacture and support the innovations that increase defence sovereignty, sustain economies and safeguard commercial interests.  With some 84,600 employees in six continents, we are committed to creating solutions that protect and strengthen nations, commerce, communities and people.

www.baesystems.com

For more information, please contact:

Nathalie Bakhos, Dassault Aviation
Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 11 84 12
E: nathalie.bakhos@dassault-aviation.fr

Stéphane Fort, Dassault Aviation
Tel.: +33 (0)1 47 11 86 90
E: stephane.fort@dassault-aviation.com

Adam Morrison, BAE Systems
M: +44 (0) 752 5390393
E: adam.morrison@baesystems.com

Kate Watcham, BAE Systems
M: +44 (0) 7793 420731
E: kate.watcham@baesystems.com


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Preparing for the Future of Combat Aerospace