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Europe confirms the FCAS plan’s 6th generation fighter jet development programme

he nations of the European Union are currently entering the 6th generation fighter aircraft race.

Europe confirms the FCAS plan's 6th generation fighter jet development programme
As every nation gets ready for upcoming fighter jets. The nations of the European Union are currently entering the 6th generation fighter aircraft race. Not only that, but it also intends to create certain covert missions for aircraft that can communicate with one another and contribute to the success of the battle zone.

The Future Combat Air System’s long-awaited approval has now been granted, and Germany, France, and Spain are working together to develop the new generation of aircraft and its technology. Airbus, which is well-known in the commercial aircraft sector, and Dassault, which is well-known for its expertise in the production of private jets and fighter jet aircraft, are leading the effort.

The US has already stated that it will launch its 6th gen first fighter jet within the next eight years, and the UK, Japan, and China have joined forces to develop a winning version of the aircraft. China and Russia are also vying for the lead in the development of similar technologies that improve national security.

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Airbus has confirmed that it will work with France, Germany, and Spain to build the Future Combat Air System (FCAS).(Opens in a new browser tab)

By utilizing the networked capabilities of pooled platforms, FCAS, a combat system of systems, will deliver escalating effects, bringing the next level of air power to severely restricted situations. The next-generation weapon system, which pairs next-generation fighters with remote carriers as force multipliers, is the foundation of FCAS.

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Additionally, while being completely compatible with allied forces across domains from the land to the cyber, manned and unmanned platforms will also contribute their specialness to the collective capabilities. The networked capabilities of all pooled platforms can be used by the air combat cloud.

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FCAS project, which is expected to cost around $100 billion, will be among the most expensive programs in European history. Due to the lead and profit share, Dassault and Airbus initially had some internal issues with this project. However, they have since all negotiated to a standard agreement, which will be advantageous to the entire European Union.

The 6th fighter jet will be created in collaboration with France, Germany, and Spain. The first flight of the aircraft is scheduled for 2027, and it will be introduced in 2040.

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A Next-Generation Weapon System and other air assets will make up the FCAS in the operational battlespace of the future. The New Generation Fighter, a sixth-generation jet fighter, will be one of the NGWS’s components. It will replace existing France’s Rafales, Germany’s Typhoons, and Spain’s EF-18 Hornets by about 2040.

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Dassault will be the NGF’s primary contractor, and Airbus will be in charge of developing the system’s supporting combat cloud and auxiliary remote-carrying vehicles. It will fly from the future aircraft carrier of the French Navy and be carrier-capable as well. While MTU Aero Engines will serve as the primary partner for the initial phase of research and technology, Safran Aircraft Engines will serve as the prime contractor for the next-generation fighter aircraft engine, assuming the lead in engine design and integration.

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Airbus is also developing a novel modular design for a heavily equipped “heavy loyal wingman” that will be used as a component of the larger Future Combat Air System. Three replaceable radar payloads for air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic attacks are available on the heavy RC. A variety of weapons or effectors, as well as jamming pods, can be stored inside a weapons bay.

The majority of the aircraft and wingmen are highly advanced and attack the zone in coordinated formations with the aid of satellite and solar-powered surveillance aircraft, which keep track of the enemy activities and send information to the coordinated zones and update the details during the battle time.

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In addition, the same wingman’s internal bay can carry a variety of weapons, including MBDA meteor and beyond visual range air-to-air missiles. The frontal section of the loyal wingman designs can be seen with the radar section, which could be used for the necessary actions to set the target identification. Joint direct attack munitions GBU 54 are used.

Airbus is already developing numerous autonomous aircraft for commercial and military use, which will be a ground-breaking innovation in the region of Europe. The addition of such technology will lower pilot fatalities and boost automation in the defense industry.

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Please share your thoughts on the FCAS program with us in the comment section.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

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On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

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One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

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Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft
EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

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The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

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To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.

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Aerospace

Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped

EASA Proposes AD for Airbus A380 Wing Rib Foot Cracks

In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.

This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).

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The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.

Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.

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Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.

The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.

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