Defence giant BAE Systems has announced a joint programme to develop a new unmanned aircraft system.
The firm, which has bases at Warton and Samlesbury, near Preston, has signed an deal with French defence firm Dassault Aviation to develop next generation unmaned drone military aircraft.
The cost of developing the drone, which will have a 28-metre wingspan and carry laser-guided bombs, is estimated at around £900m to be shared by British and French defence ministries.
Both companies will now present the project at the Paris Air Show from June 20-26 in front of industry leaders.
Peter Richardson, strategy and technology director for BAE Systems Military Air and Information, said: "We have already set up a joint team and will look to strengthen this with other leading industry players to ensure that the programme will develop a cost-effective, autonomous system in the required time scales."
The project has been named Telemos, who in Greek mythology was the son of Eurymous, known for having the vision and foresight to warn Polyphemus about an attack on Odysseus.
Eric Trappier, executive vice president of interntional affairs at Dassault Aviation, said: "We believe that Dassault Aviation and BAE Systems are the only companies with the experience, skills and capabilities to meet the requirements of our two Governments and the strong Telemos team will ensure that we provide the capability they are looking for, whilst assisting the sustainment of sovereign industrial capabilities which both governments have invested in developing."
Safran SA and Rolls-Royce PLC are believed to be in the frame to supply engines for the aircraft.
Three unmanned planes are have previosly been developed at BAE's base in Warton, near Preston – Hertis, Taranis and Mantis.
Taranis is designed to have the capability to fend off attack, fly deep into enemy territory, deploy weapons or bring back intelligence.
It has cost over £140m and light trials are due this year.
Defence giants in new drone project - LEP Business - lep.co.uk
The firm, which has bases at Warton and Samlesbury, near Preston, has signed an deal with French defence firm Dassault Aviation to develop next generation unmaned drone military aircraft.
The cost of developing the drone, which will have a 28-metre wingspan and carry laser-guided bombs, is estimated at around £900m to be shared by British and French defence ministries.
Both companies will now present the project at the Paris Air Show from June 20-26 in front of industry leaders.
Peter Richardson, strategy and technology director for BAE Systems Military Air and Information, said: "We have already set up a joint team and will look to strengthen this with other leading industry players to ensure that the programme will develop a cost-effective, autonomous system in the required time scales."
The project has been named Telemos, who in Greek mythology was the son of Eurymous, known for having the vision and foresight to warn Polyphemus about an attack on Odysseus.
Eric Trappier, executive vice president of interntional affairs at Dassault Aviation, said: "We believe that Dassault Aviation and BAE Systems are the only companies with the experience, skills and capabilities to meet the requirements of our two Governments and the strong Telemos team will ensure that we provide the capability they are looking for, whilst assisting the sustainment of sovereign industrial capabilities which both governments have invested in developing."
Safran SA and Rolls-Royce PLC are believed to be in the frame to supply engines for the aircraft.
Three unmanned planes are have previosly been developed at BAE's base in Warton, near Preston – Hertis, Taranis and Mantis.
Taranis is designed to have the capability to fend off attack, fly deep into enemy territory, deploy weapons or bring back intelligence.
It has cost over £140m and light trials are due this year.
Defence giants in new drone project - LEP Business - lep.co.uk
