(Luft) Future Combat Air System (FCAS) und New Generation Fighter (NGF)

[Schneemann]

Offenkundig ist sich die Politik ja durchaus einig - was an sich schon mal ein wichtiger Schritt ist -, aber hinter den Kulissen wird noch erbittert auf Ebene der Industrie bzw. der Konzerne darum gestritten, wer wie wo den Hut aufhaben soll (Artikel von Ende Juli)...

Dassault chief confirms fighter prototype delay amid workshare dispute

STUTTGART, Germany – The Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program remains in a monthslong standoff that risks pushing back the first flight of its signature fighter, a senior industry official said Wednesday. The program was supposed to enter its next phase late last year, but has been held up as prime contractors Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence and Space have been unable to agree on the division of work for the next-generation fighter (NGF) aircraft element, Dassault Chairman Eric Trappier said in a mid-year earnings press conference. [...]

Dassault said in its financial statement released Wednesday that while it is the prime contractor for “Pillar 1,” meaning the next-generation fighter, “The prime contractor/main partner relationship is still to be clarified.” “Dassault Aviation is seeking a clear statement of acceptance of its role as prime contractor by Airbus Defence and Space for the NGF,” the statement said. [...]

The FCAS – also called SCAF, for its French name “système de combat aérien du futur” – program consists of seven technology “pillars,” of which the next-generation fighter is the centerpiece.

The other pillars include a new engine for the fighter jet, a next-generation weapon system, new remote carrier drones, advanced sensors and stealth technology, and an air combat cloud network. Dassault represents France’s participation in the program, while Airbus represents Germany, and Indra Systems leads Spain’s industry participation. [...] Industry officials last year already acknowledged the tough roadmap to field the full FCAS system of systems by 2040. The team completed Phase 1A, an 18-month research phase, late last year, and has been stymied ever since. [...]

Sebastien Lecornu acknowledged the “stalling” of the program in his first hearing as ministry chief before the French Senate’s defense and foreign affairs committee Wednesday, but asserted that he was working with his counterparts in Germany and Spain to gain ground. He has meetings scheduled with each country’s defense minister by early September, he told the committee.

https://www.defensenews.com/global/europ...e-dispute/

Schneemann