Rolls-Royce to undertake combat engine studies for UK MoD
Global power systems company Rolls-Royce and French aircraft manufacturer Snecma have signed a contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to undertake studies into the next generation of combat aircraft engines.
The two companies have also signed a collaboration agreement with BAE Systems and Dassault Aviation to explore concepts and technologies as part of the Anglo French Future Combat Air Systems Demonstration Programme Preparation Phase (FCAS DPPP) contract.
Announced today by BAE, the FCAS DPPP partnership will propose a joint plan to mature and demonstrate critical technology and operational aspects of a future combat air system. It is expected that this will lead to a joint Unmanned Combat Air System demonstration and operational evaluation programme in the future.
Nick Durham, Rolls-Royce president of customer business, defence, said: "This collaboration agreement recognises the need for airframe and power and propulsion system suppliers to work together to deliver an optimised affordable solution for the next generation of combat aircraft for the UK and France. It represents an important step towards increased collaboration and, by combining the experience and expertise of Rolls-Royce and Snecma, we can contribute a huge amount to these studies."
Chris Boardman, managing director, military air and information, BAE Systems, commented: "BAE Systems and Dassault Aviation have been working together closely to ensure we maintain our status as leading providers of aerospace capability. The signing of this contract will ensure that both countries get the best return on their investment and positions the two companies well to meet any future Anglo-French requirements."
