A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Cassidian on behalf of EADS Deutschland GmbH and Alenia Aeronautica S.p.A. to jointly investigate the potential cooperation in the field of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV).
Alenia and Cassidian are aiming to strengthen their technological know-how in order to establish a leading role in the UAS market. Thanks to this agreement, the two companies will analyze the requirements expressed by each of their respective Governments in the UAS sector with the objective to create a strategic partnership and to expand their global UAS market share.
Giuseppe Giordo, CEO of Alenia Aeronautica and Alenia Aermacchi who is also responsible for Finmeccanica’s Aeronautics Sector, commented: “The signing of this agreement is important for Alenia Aeronautica because it alllows us to collaborate with a capable player in the sector of UAS, favouring the growth of our ability to design, build, integrate and support a complex system for the global market, both civil and military. The UAS sector has a strategic importance for the future of Alenia Aeronautica’s programmes and we are convinced that this agreement will allow us to become even more competitive in this quickly expanding market.”
Bernhard Gerwert, Chief Operating Officer of Cassidian, said: “We look forward to investigate further collaboration with Alenia Aeronautica around a next-generation MALE UAS, like for instance, the Talarion which is of outmost importance for Europe’s military aviation industry. It will fulfill government security missions and commercial applications which cannot be implemented with current solutions and their derivatives.”
Talarion is the European programme for a next-generation Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) to fulfil the requirements initially placed by France, Germany and Spain for future unmanned long endurance surveillance and reconnaissance missions. First flight of the prototype is scheduled for 2015 with first series deliveries starting in 2018.
Finmeccanica’s aeronautical sector is led by Alenia Aeronautica and includes the wholly owned companies Alenia Aermacchi and Alenia North America, together with its participation in jvs and consortia like ATR, SuperJet International, Eurofighter and GMAS. Finmeccanica’s aeronautical sector has a role of primary importance in the world’s civil and defence aeronautical industry, counts a total workforce of ca. 12,000 people and operates in the design, development, production and integrated support of commercial and military aircraft, trainers, unmanned aerial vehicles and aerostructures. In 2010 it reported revenues of Euro 2.8 billions, orders of Euro 2.5 billion and a backlog of Euro 8.6 billion.
Cassidian, an EADS company, is a worldwide leader in global security solutions and systems, providing Lead Systems Integration and value-added products and services to civil and military customers around the globe: air systems (aircraft and unmanned aerial systems), land, naval and joint systems, intelligence and surveillance, cyber security, secure communications, test systems, missiles, services and support solutions. In 2010, Cassidian – with around 28,000 employees – achieved revenues of EUR 5.9 billion.
