A_T_I_2015_04_

(Nora) #1

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APRIL 2015
AEROSPACETESTINGINTERNATIONAL.COM

z Aft cabin


AT WHAT STAGE IS THE TEST PHASE
OF TARANIS NOW?
We have just completed two phases
of flight testing and are currently
undertaking further ground-based
testing, with plans for a further phase
of flights later this year.

WHAT DATA HAS BEEN COLLATED
FROM THIS PHASE OF TESTS?
We have now completed two phases
of flight trials. The main difference
between the two sets of trials was that in
the second phase, Taranis flew in a fully
‘stealthy’ configuration. The aircraft was
able to gain those vital air data
measurements in a way which did not

Martin Rowe-Willcocks, head of future combat air systems
business development for BAE says that the UCAV Taranis project
has moved UAV development for the UK’s forces rapidly forward

BY CHRISTOPHER HOUNSFIELD

Celtic thunder


impact on its low observable
characteristics. Taranis successfully
used a conformal air data system which
allowed these parameters, along with
others already embedded in the system,
to generate a full set of flight data without
the use of an external probe or boom.

WHAT NEW TECHNOLOGY HAS MADE
THE AIRCRAFT DIFFERENT?
From the outset, Taranis has been
designed to utilize the most advanced
means possible of achieving low
observability. This includes both the
systems and technology inside the aircraft
and the shape, design and finish of the
exterior. It does mean, however, that there
are aspects of the exterior design of the
aircraft which remain classified.

WHAT NEW TECHNOLOGIES HAVE SET
THE TARANIS APART?
Taranis has been developed to
demonstrate the potential of an
unmanned, stealthy combat aircraft
ultimately capable of delivering weapons
to a battlefield, able to undertake
sustained surveillance. It will be able to:
mark targets, gather vital intelligence,
deter an adversary, carry out strikes in
hostile territory, and assess the impact
of any strike.

WHAT PROBLEMS HAVE YOU FACED
IN THE PROGRAM?
Technical demonstrator programs by
their very nature are demanding and
contain risk. Prior to first flight trials,
the system was comprehensively and
extensively ‘flown’ on the ground over
many hours. This thorough and robust
testing activity allowed us to ensure
that the system progressed into its
flight testing phase in a safe and low-
risk manner.

HOW DOES SYSTEMS INTEGRATION
WORK WITH YOUR PARTNERS?
The Taranis project is a tremendous
example of UK industry and MoD
working and investing together to secure
advancements in technology and
capability to meet the anticipated future
requirements of the armed forces. A
project charter was signed by DE&S,
BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, QinetiQ and
GE Aviation, whereby they agreed to
work together to design, manufacture,
test and fly an experimental mission
representative UAV system.

DOES THIS PUT THE UK AHEAD WITH
UAV COMBAT DEVELOPMENT?
Taranis is designed to provide the MoD
with critical knowledge on the
technical and manufacturing
challenges and the potential
capabilities of Unmanned Combat Air
Systems. The project aims
to contribute to the understanding of
strategic UCAS, through the
demonstration of relevant technologies
and their integration into a
representative UAV system. Taranis
will provide the UK MoD with
experimental evidence on the potential
capabilities of this class of UAV.
Taranis is being designed to explore
the feasibility of developing the next
generation of unmanned combat
aircraft, suitable for significantly higher
threat environments than the current
generation of UAVs in use today.

WHAT IS NEXT IN THE TEST PHASE?
MoD answer: We will continue to
gather data and complete additional test
points as per the requirements of the
current test program and any future test
or technology de-risking programs
agreed with the MoD or UK Industry. z

for BAE says that the UCAV Taranis project


HOW DOES SYSTEMS INTEGRATION

SPECIFIC ROLES


BAE Systems: Design, final assembly and test, flight
systems, flight control system, ground station, system
performance measurements, integration, qualification
and trials, airframe and aero, comms, intake, sensors
and mission avionics and autonomy

Rolls-Royce: Engine and exhaust systems plus
systems performance measurements

GE Aviation & Triumph Group: Flight systems

QinetiQ: Comms and high-level mission autonomy

Cobham: Comms antennas

APPH: Undercarriage

Claverham: Flight control systems (actuation)

DSTL: System performance measurement, MoD
technical advisors

GE Intelligent Platforms: Mission avionics hardware.
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