FCAS

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is an advanced, integrated system of manned and unmanned platforms. It combines a sixth-generation combat aircraft with a large number of remotely piloted vehicles (swarm drones). From the 2040s, the FCAS will replace the Rafale fighters currently in service in France and the Eurofighters of the German and Spanish air forces. The new fighter will incorporate advanced technologies such as stealth, networking, potential cyber warfare capabilities and energy weapons.

The FCAS development process is currently divided into seven key areas:

1. mission planning
2. multi-platform sensor data fusion
3. human machine interface (HMI)
4. integrated modular avionics 
5. robust communications
6. electronic warfare
7. networked armament  

A central role is played by the so-called AI backbone, which, with the exception of avionics, is used as an overarching core technology in all areas.

Contribution of the Institute for AI Safety and Security

In the first phase of the development of the AI backbone, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) has been commissioned to carry out a study coordinated by the Institute for AI Safety and Security. The aim of the study is to identify regulations, legal requirements, certification parameters, standards and procedures for the aeronautical certification of AI applications. In addition, possible functional limitations of FCAS use cases will be analysed.

Industry partners involved

The FCAS is jointly developed by leading companies such as Dassault Aviation, Airbus, Indra Sistemas, Hensoldt, Diehl, Rohde & Schwarz and many other industry experts. This collaboration ensures that the FCAS, as a key component of European defence, meets the highest technology and safety standards.