The US Air Force is reported to have scrapped plans to fund the Fixed Wing Vehicle demonstrator element of its Future Aircraft Technology Enhancement (FATE) programme.
One of the key elements of the original FATE project was the manufacture of a single-engine demonstrator platform intended to examine technologies applicable to next-generation fighter aircraft.
The decision appears to be driven by concern that the FATE demonstrator would replicate work to be undertaken in the Defence Advanced Research Project Agency's Uninhabited Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) project.
The FATE project is aimed at providing up to a 20% reduction in development, production, operation and support costs, as well as a similar percentage reduction in weight. A 10% increase in the lift:drag ratio is also being pursued.
The FATE project is now likely to make increased use of other technology-demonstrator aircraft such as the Boeing X-36.
Source: Flight International