Dassault Calls for European MALE, UCAS Programs (edited excerpt)

Le premier vol du demonstrateur nEuron - photo Dassault Aviation

July 25, 2013 defense-aerospace.com

SAINT-CLOUD, France --- The Board of Directors, chaired by Mr. Éric Trappier, closed yesterday the financial statements for the first half-year 2013. These consolidated condensed interim financial statements were reviewed by the Statutory Auditors who expressed an unqualified opinion.

Éric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, stated:

“After its maiden flight, last December, nEUROn demonstrated the exceptional know-how of France and Europe, but the Public Authorities are looking overseas to purchase MALE drones.

We have to obtain the launching of a UCAS (Unmanned Combat Air Systems) program and a European MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) program. (Emphasis added—Ed.)

…/…

Concerning UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles), it should be noted that:
- the Radar Cross Section measurement campaign of the nEUROn demonstrator and the display of the aircraft at the Paris Air Show. Dassault Aviation is prime contractor of this program, with five European industrial partners;
- the pursuit of the preparatory study for the launching of an Unmanned Combat Air System (UCAS) demonstrator, in cooperation with BAE Systems.

Concerning MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) UAV, we have started discussions with European industrial partners to examine the possibilities of designing and producing together a European MALE drone. A common declaration of intent was made at the opening of the Paris Air Show.


Click here for the full statement, on the Dassault Aviation website.