The UK Ministry of Defence is poised to launch a major project to explore emerging technologies for use across a range of future unmanned air vehicle systems, according to the head of the UK's leading defence contractor.
BAE Systems had early this year appeared set to secure a contract worth "tens of millions of pounds" to conduct a technology demonstrator project (TDP) to investigate unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) technologies for the MoD, but chief executive Mike Turner says: "There have been discussions over many months and the position has changed. We now expect the MoD to launch a very large sized UAV programme." This is likely to encompass both unmanned strike platforms and unmanned reconnaissance systems, he says.
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Raven is just part of BAE's work that "the MoD has been impressed with" |
Highlighting achievements recorded since 2001 using company funded demonstrators including the UCAV-like Raven, Corax unmanned reconnaissance air vehicle and powered glider-based Herti surveillance platform, Turner says: "The MoD has been very impressed with the work we've done. We expect a very large TDP [contract] in the near future."
BAE released first details of its highly secretive UAV development activities late last year (Flight International, 20 December 2005-2 January). Its announcement coincided with the publication of the MoD's Defence Industrial Strategy White Paper, which outlined plans to make a decision on the UK's future mix of manned and unmanned aircraft "in the 2010-15 timeframe".
Noting that BAE is keen to continue its significant investment of recent years into unmanned systems technologies, Turner says: "We want to offer UAVs to the UK using UK technologies - that's why we've brought in companies like Qinetiq, Rolls-Royce and Smiths."
The MoD last week confirmed that it is "not far off" entering into an agreement with BAE for a future programme of UAV research activities, but declined to provide additional details. The UK is expected to make a significant investment in unmanned systems under its Project Dabinett intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance programme, which could soon be launched through the purchase of two General Atomics Predator B medium-altitude, long-endurance UAVs (Flight International, 5-11 September).
Speaking at a London press conference to announce BAE's financial results for the first six months of 2006, Turner also said the company expects to receive a UK production contract for Hawk 128 advanced jet trainers before year-end.
Source: Flight International
