OCCAR signs contract amendment to equip Eurodrone with enhanced combat capabilities

By Defence Industry Europe

The Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) has initiated the certification process for the Eurodrone's engine, marking a significant step towards enhancing Europe's strategic autonomy in defense technology. In a recent meeting, OCCAR's Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Programme Division convened with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to outline the activities required for certifying the Eurodrone's Catalyst engine, produced by AVIO AERO. This engine, notable for being completely ITAR free and manufactured within Europe, is set to achieve full civilian certification by EASA.
Image: Airbus.

The second amendment to the “Stage 2 Development, Production and Initial In-Service Support Contract” for the MALE-RPAS (Medium Altitude Long Endurance – Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) has been formally signed at the OCCAR premises in Hallbergmoos, Germany. This marks a key milestone in the multinational defence programme led by OCCAR, involving several major European aerospace partners.

 

The MALE-RPAS Programme Manager, Baptiste Longuet, signed the amendment on behalf of the OCCAR-EA Director, alongside Mr. Gilles Armstrong, Head of Eurodrone at Airbus Defence and Space GmbH. The amendment introduces new features requested by the Participating States in various areas, including mission capability and armament.

 

 

The Eurodrone system is being developed by Airbus GmbH in cooperation with Dassault Aviation, Leonardo, and Airbus SAU, along with over 50 aeronautic and electronic companies across Europe. The programme is currently finalising its Detailed Design Review phase, a critical step before the start of production.

 

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