MBDA has cleared a key design review for a collaborative combat drone being developed by France, Germany, and Spain, putting it on track for a first flight soon.
The Remote Carrier Compact (RC) demonstrator passed its preliminary design review this summer after work by MBDA France and Germany with Spanish partner SATNUS under the Next Generation Weapon System program.
Representatives from the three countries, including military pilots, reviewed the design during technical meetings in Spain, France, and Germany.
MBDA has completed the demonstrator’s design, produced representative mock-ups, and built a digital twin of the aircraft. Ground testing has covered subsystems, structural integrity, and integration, while wind tunnel tests and simulations have been used to validate the design and initial algorithms.
Feedback from French, German, and Spanish air force personnel was incorporated through demonstrations and technical reviews during the first half of the year. MBDA said the preliminary design review now allows work to move toward production of the demonstrator and its planned first flight in 2029.
The work forms part of the broader European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) effort.
Remote Carrier Compact Demonstrator
The RC demonstrator is being developed as an unmanned aircraft that can work with other combat platforms rather than operate as a standalone drone.
MBDA’s earlier FCAS work described the systems as intended to expand the tactical options available to combat aircraft.
For the Compact demonstrator, MBDA has highlighted three broad mission areas: escort, reconnaissance, and direct engagement of high-value targets.
Its design is intended to let it accompany fighters, drones, weapons, and other crewed platforms during missions.
