Mantis
Posted on 03/14/2011 4:57:08 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
BAE Systems signs up for UK-French drone
BAE Systems has signed an agreement with French defence company Dassault to build a self-piloting drone which will be used by both countries' air forces, as part of the Government's plan to cut defence costs by purchasing more kit with other nations.
By Amy Wilson
The memorandum of understanding between BAE and Dassault, builder of the Rafale fighter jet, will see the two companies fund a development programme.
They hope that will lead to an order from the two governments within the year, to build a demonstrator unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with the ability to fly itself as well as being operated remotely.
EADS, the parent company of Airbus, is also working on a UAV which could be a rival to the BAE-Dassault offering. EADS has already held talks with France, Germany and Spain on developing the aircraft, called Talarion.
Neither the Ministry of Defence or the companies have put a value on the UAV demonstrator programme, but BAE has already spent £100m building the Mantis UAV, designed for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
A lot of the technology from Mantis will go into the new aircraft in the joint programme, said Kevin Taylor, head of BAE's military aircraft
(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...
Mantis
How does a fwench drone surrender?
How does a fwench drone surrender?
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The usual fwench way: by poping out white flags. Then it lands near its former enemies and opens compartments containing the finest wines and cheeses. (Newer verisons have dating services).
I though French Drone was any two frenchies talking about the greatness of France.
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