Study Contract on a Future Unmanned Aerial Vehicle “Advanced UAV” concluded
Koblenz, 12/11/2007.
The Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement (BWB) in Koblenz has commissioned a study on a future unmanned aircraft system. The BWB is acting on behalf of Germany, France and Spain. The contractor is the company EADS with the German, French and Spanish shares of the Defence & Security Division. Furthermore, the companies INDRA and THALES are involved in the contract.
Subject of the study is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called “Advanced UAV”. This is a new type of reconnaissance, acquisition and surveillance system. In the scope of the study, a technical solution shall be defined which fulfills the operational requirements of the three nations. In addition, the technical, financial and schedule related risks shall be minimized during the next 15 months.
The contract conclusion is the first step on the way to a possible European UAV development program being open to further nations. Besides the aim of a common development, the build up of an industrial capacity for this kind of systems in Europe will also be supported.
The conclusion of the study contract was preceded by the signature of a Technical Arrangement between the three participating nations in mid 2007 on the occasion of the aerospace exhibition in Le Bourget.
