BAE Systems’ FalconWorks division and leading sustainable aircraft technology developer, Hybrid Air Vehicles, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore new ways of communicating and gathering intelligence.
Earlier this week at DSEI, the team at FalconWorks also announced a new framework agreement with QinetiQ, which will see both parties collaborate on autonomous Uncrewed Air Systems (UAS) and mission management systems.
UAVTEK Limited, a UK specialist in the manufacture of small UAS, also teamed up with FalconWorks this week, signing a Memorandum of Collaboration to explore leveraging its complementary UAS technologies.
This follows FalconWorks’ celebration in recent weeks of the first stratospheric flight of PHASA-35, BAE Systems’ High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS) UAS. This milestone has advanced the Company’s understanding of the science and climatological conditions required to make operations in the stratosphere possible and repeatable.
Launched in July, FalconWorks is a new unit within BAE Systems’ Air Sector focusing on advanced and agile research and development into cutting-edge combat air capabilities. It was formed in response to the increasing pace of technological change and evolving threat environment facing military customers around the world.
The business supports major programmes such as Typhoon and Tempest and also collaborates with SMEs and academia to deliver rapid concepting of new products and services, which air force customers need to maintain their edge.
“Defending our freedom is becoming ever more unpredictable – the only constant is change. The creation of FalconWorks is a reflection of the changing environment and our goal to ensure innovative technology development is at the core of everything we do. This new division builds on our established expertise in world-leading combat air programmes such as Typhoon, F-35 and Tempest to unlock opportunities to expand our portfolio and deliver the breakthrough technologies which keep our customers ahead.” Dave Holmes, Managing Director of FalconWorks, BAE Systems’ Air Sector.