Germany and France launch FCAS/SCAF demonstrator phase, Spain to follow shortly

[Vergennes]

The demonstrator phase of the Franco-German-Spanish Future Combat Air System (FCAS)/Système de Combat Aérien Futur (SCAF) programme has been officially launched with the governments of France and Germany awarding the initial framework (Phase 1A) contract.

On 12 February the German parliament approved its EUR77.5 million (USD84.4 million) share of the EUR155 million budget agreed with and approved by France. This prepares the technology demonstrator phase to mature the concepts that will lead to the development of future technologies. Spain, whose national effort is being led by Indra, is currently negotiating with its partners its contribution for this phase and could join as soon as the third quarter of 2020.

The 18-month Phase 1A contract will examine the fundamental design of the New Generation Fighter (NGF), Remote Carrier (RC), and Air Combat Cloud (ACC) elements of the wider FCAS/SCAF project.

Specifically, it covers design of the NGF and RC airframes (systems architecture, aerodynamic fundamentals, weapons integration, demonstrator configuration); systems (engine, sensors, and their integration); simulation environment, integration, and test strategies (programmes consistency); and the initial package for maturing technology (production strategy).

The tasks will be addressed in seven technology areas, five of which have been approved. The airframe is to be developed by Dassault as the prime and Airbus Defence and Space as the partner; the engine with Safran as the prime and MTU as the partner (a joint venture will be formed at a later date); unmanned RC components with Airbus DS as the prime and MBDA France as the partner; the ACC network, with Airbus DS as the prime and Thales as the partner; and finally 'consistency of the programme', which will be shared equally between Airbus DS and MTU on the German side and Safran and MBDA France on the French side. The remaining two packages concerning sensors and signature reduction (stealth) will be determined in the second half of 2020, with a view to a possible Spanish participation.

https://www.janes.com/article/94286...af-demonstrator-phase-spain-to-follow-shortly

 

[FuturePAF]

J-31v2 with Pelican tail. They will buy the data for the Pelican tail from Boeing and The German's will share what they know of the F-35. Both nations have experience with twin engine designs. This plane can easily be up and ready by the end of the decade if it gets the funding. That will be the major hurdle with Trump pressuring NATO allies to buy more F-35s.

 

[Fawadqasim1]

Bad news for Indians because their govt Will agree to buy it @ 2 billion$ a pop poor Indians will remain poor.

 

[Ali_Baba]

Only a matter of time before Germany pulls out, you watch. Mark my words on this !!!!