Three engine manufacturers have agreed to partner on the development of the engine that will power Europe’s Next-Generation Fighter.
The Next-Generation Fighter (NGF) is the core element of Europe’s FCAS (Future Combat Air System) and is planned to replace the Eurofighter and Rafale fighter aircraft between 2035 and 2040.
Spanish aero-engine maker ITP Aero has joined Germany’s MTU Aero Engines and France’s Safran Aircraft Engines as a partner in the EUMET (European Military Engine Team) consortium. MTU and Safran agreed to partner on the development of the NGF’s engine in December 2019.
According to the agreement reached by the three companies there will be an equal workshare between France, Germany and Spain. EUMET will be the sole prime contractor for all NGF engine activities.
Within EUMET, Safran Aircraft Engines is leading the engine’s overall design and integration, while MTU Aero Engines will lead the engine service activities. ITP Aero will develop the low-pressure turbine, the nozzle and several other parts of the engine.
Jean-Paul Alary, CEO of Safran Aircraft Engines said, “FCAS is a highly strategic program, enabling to maintain our fundamental competencies in military engines, while also strengthening national and European defense capabilities. As leader of the NGF engine design and integration, Safran Aircraft Engines is looking forward to building solid foundations and strengthening the partnership with MTU and ITP Aero teams.”
The next research phase of the engine’s development program is expected to pass through national approval processes by the middle of this year so engineers can begin the next Research & Technology phase (R&T 1B/2).
