Tim Ripley
A flying technology demonstrator for the UK's future offensive air system (FOAS) is likely to be brought forward as the British Aerospace-led research effort gathers pace.
FOAS is intended to replace the Royal Air Force Tornado GR4 fleet late in the second decade of next century and the UK Ministry of Defence has issue a number of contracts to prove the revolutionary technology to be used in the system.
BAe FOAS business executive Nobby Grey says that "the current plan is for the demonstrator to fly in 2006 at the latest but if anything this date is likely to come forward".
He says it has not yet been determined if the air vehicle will be manned or unmanned. "It could be the first-ever unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) built at our Warton plant."
Manned
The unmanned option is just one of a number being considered for FOAS, including manned aircraft and conventionally armed cruise missiles.
These are in the early stages of operational analysis and technology studies are being undertaken by BAe and a number of other companies including Dassault.
"These are currently low-level studies to help the MoD understand how FOAS would fit in with other systems," says Grey. "The next milestone will be in 2001 when the MoD issues what is called an initial gate [formerly a staff target]."
Grey stress that at this stage all requirements from customers were expressed in terms of capabilities rather than specifics such as air vehicles' size and speeds.
Although there was much user and industry interest in UAVs and their close cousins, unmanned combat air vehicles (UCAV), it has not yet been proven that they are a more cost-effective way of delivering weapons to a target than manned aircraft or missiles, says Grey.
Euro Links
BAe, however, was keen to expand its interest in UAVs, says Grey. It already has links to many European UAV manufacturers via a number of joint ventures and partnerships, but the company's merger with Marconi would bring the UK's only manufacturer of UAV's based in the UK.
"There is a recognition in the company that combat aircraft technology is moving," says Grey.
"We are investing resources and technology in them. The UK has at least eight programmes under way at the moment that involve UAVs - FOAS, the future carrier, Tracer, Phoenix, tactical UAVs, future carrier borne combat aircraft, future organic airborne early warning and the aerial target system."
Source: Flight Daily News
