Dynamic

Shaping tomorrow’s programs

We have learned how to plan well ahead and match the pace of innovation to that of development projects to successfully complete complex programs that meet our customers’ evolving needs, on time and on budget.

The architect’s role

The system architect has to match the pace of innovations with that of programs scheduled to hit the market towards 2040. We decide on the scope of relevant tasks, and how they will be distributed.

Our role is to identify both constant factors and those subject to short innovation cycles so we can incorporate these fast-paced changes without compromising the fundamentals of the overall system and facilitate upcoming upgrades.

Leader on the New-Generation Fighter

Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence & Space united their strengths on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) in April 2018. This networked system will integrate the New-Generation Fighter, current fighters, drones, cruise missiles, satellites and surveillance aircraft, along with land and naval systems. Dassault Aviation is the lead contractor on the New- Generation Fighter (NGF).

Rafale: continuous improvement

The continuous improvement approach applied to the Rafale is based on a combination of technological advances and feedback from operations. As planned, the F3-R standard, initiated in 2014, was qualified in November 2018 and will be deployed in 2019. The F4 standard was launched in January 2019, and concerns enhanced connectivity, survivability, combat capabilities and dispatch reliability. It should be completely validated in 2024, and some functions will be available as early as 2022.

Future Falcons

The Falcon 6X program was launched in February 2018 for an entry into service in 2022. At the same time, we are developing a “Future Falcon”.

Other Falcons, modified to handle special missions, are being prepared. In France, the main program is CUGE, which involves three Falcons configured for intelligence and electronic warfare. The program was announced in March 2018, and contract awards are expected at the end of 2019. Maritime surveillance aircraft should also be ordered in 2020, based on the Falcon 2000LXS model.

Drones and partnerships

The nEUROn program, launched in 2012, is the first stealthy combat drone (UCAV) to date to be developed as part of a joint European program. Tests of this drone have generated invaluable data on this type of strategic system, especially on its advanced stealthiness. These tests have generated very useful data, and will continue.

Unveiled in April 2018, the medium-altitude long-endurance remotely piloted aircraft system (MALE RPAS), developed by Airbus Defence & Space, with Dassault Aviation and Leonardo as co- contractors, has passed its preliminary design review, paving the way to program launch in the near future.

Targeting space

In addition to our proven expertise in pyrotechnics and telemetry, we have developed solid technological capabilities in hypervelocity and atmospheric reentry, and we are now applying this know-how to the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Space Rider program. We are also capable of offering fast-response access to space and reusable space systems.

This expertise allows us to offer projects based on disruptive technologies, in line with our Space Roadmap 2040, and to support any future decisions made by France and Europe concerning space, more than ever a key to strategic autonomy.

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