Germany Test Launches Remote Carrier From A400M Transport Aircraft
The German Air Force has carried out what it says was the world’s first successful launch of a Remote Carrier flight test demonstrator from an A400M military transport aircraft.
The test launch was conducted in cooperation with the German Aerospace Center, Airbus, and other local defense firms.
According to Airbus, the Remote Carrier unmanned aerial system (UAS) is a key component in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.
It reportedly serves as a force multiplier, flying in close formation with manned aircraft to support various aerial missions.
Erstmalig wurde ein unbemanntes Lfz (Remote Carrier) aus einem Transportflugzeug #A400M gestartet. Der erfolgreiche Versuch war eine Teamleistung der #WTD61 mit @Airbus im Zuge des Projektes #FCAS.
Mehr im Video und unterhttps://t.co/3it7E2GO7A@bundeswehrInfo@Team_Luftwaffe pic.twitter.com/hOpYapitcb— Bundeswehr AIN (@BaainBw) December 12, 2022
The test assessed the UAS’ capabilities, allowing the army to evaluate the A400M’s ability to act as a power amplifier and range extender.
“The excellent collaboration with our German customer and partners on the A400M UAS Launcher campaign is further evidence of how the development of FCAS will take innovation and technologies to the next level,” Airbus chief executive officer Michael Schoellhorn said.
The A400M is expected to bring the Remote Carriers close to their areas of operation before releasing up to 50 drones.
The FCAS Program
Launched in 2017, the tri-national FCAS program aims to provide cutting-edge military capabilities to France, Germany, and Spain by 2040.
It consists of seven technology “pillars,” including developing a sixth-generation fighter to replace the Dassault Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon.
The program also includes manufacturing a next-generation weapon system, new drones, and an air combat cloud network for manned-unmanned teaming.
The recently-tested Remote Carrier flight demonstrator could also serve as unmanned support for the future FCAS sixth-generation aircraft.
“FCAS as a system of systems is starting to take shape now,” Schoellhorn stated after the test launch.
