European AeroSystems to Explore Technologies
for Future Combat Aircraft

The European AeroSystems joint venture has been awarded two technology demonstration concepts to support future combat aircraft programs sponsored by a combined effort from the French and British defense ministries.

The contracts, totaling $66 million, will cover different aspects of future aircraft technologies. One, a two-year effort, will examine integrated vehicle systems and will run about 18 months. The second initiative will focus on weapons integration studies and is to last for five years.

While the EAeS joint venture consists of BAE Systems and Dassault, the effort is expected to include another 26 suppliers in both countries.

"This is an important step in European technology collaboration with the UK and France-at both government and industry level-showing their continued commitment to work together on technology for their future military aircraft systems," said EAeS managing director John Tucker.

By Robert Wall