The European Technology Acquisition Plan (ETAP) will be the focus on which EADS and other companies develop new capabilities over the next few years. ETAP covers areas of "significant importance for EADS Military Aircraft", says Wirtz. EMAC's four home countries - France, Germany, Italy and Spain - along with Sweden and the UK are due to sign-up to ETAP which initially will create new systems for in-service aircraft and those nearing service such as the Eurofighter and Dassault Aviation Rafale. Key areas include advanced avionics, low observability (LO), control systems and unmanned air vehicles. If Europe progresses with an unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) it will emerge from the ETAP work. Alenia, BAE Systems, Dassault, EADS and Saab have already created a UCAV working group, which will become more formalised once the ETAP memorandum of understanding is signed. BAE is participating in UCAV studies as part of the UK's Future Offensive Air Capability studies to replace the Panavia Tornado, while Dassault and Saab have company funded UAV/UCAV programmes. Dassault flew the Petit Duc demonstrator last year and UAVs and UCAVs are a central element of Saab's NetDefence proposals.
Industry sources within Europe express concern about the UK's commitment to ETAP and its policy of alliances with the USA as well as Europe. The sources believe that by splitting its resources, the UK cannot fully contribute to the European programme. The UK's presence on programmes such as the Joint Strike Fighter also limits its participation in some key ETAP areas.
Source: Flight International
