The European Technology Acquisition Programme (ETAP), launched by six European nations in October 2001 to develop the key technologies for next-generation combat aircraft, has switched focus to unmanned air vehicles (UAV) after the UK and Italy joined the US-led Joint Strike Fighter programme.
Yves Gleizes, director of France's procurement agency DGA, says ETAP is continuing, but all six nations - France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK - have now turned their attention to UAVs and unmanned combat air vehicles.
Another senior DGA official says: "One of the crucial elements we're studying is whether there will even be the need for a piloted combat aircraft post-Rafale, Gripen and Eurofighter."
Gleizes says the other area ETAP is focusing on is engines. "We hope that if Airbus Military chooses the European engine for the A400M transport, this will federate the European engine industries with Rolls-Royce, Snecma and MTU." They face competition from Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Source: Flight International
