Airbus Will Lean on Start-Ups and Research Institutes for Europe’s Future Combat Air System

June 24, 2019

William Kucinski

(Image courtesy: Airbus Defence and Space)

Airbus intends to closely cooperate with start-ups, sole subject matter experts (SMEs), and research institutes – especially in the software domain – in order to unlock new ideas, technologies, and research areas for France and Germany’s Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. The statement, made during the 53rd International Paris Air Show , was followed by special pitching sessions for selected European startups organized by Starburst.

Originally proposed at the 2018 Internationale Luft- und Raumfahrtausstellung (ILA) Berlin Air Show , the systems-of-systems FCAS architecture includes new sixth-generation Next Generation Fighter (NGF) that will serve as a hub or nucleus for multiple cloud-linked UAV or “remote carrier” wingmen.

William Kucinski is content editor at SAE International, Aerospace Products Group in Warrendale, Pa. Previously, he worked as a writer at the NASA Safety Center in Cleveland, Ohio and was responsible for writing the agency’s System Failure Case Studies. His interests include literally anything that has to do with space, past and present military aircraft, and propulsion technology.

Contact him regarding any article or collaboration ideas by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..