SATNUS successfully completes fourth flight demonstration campaign of the NGWS/FCAS program, validating manned-unmanned teaming and formation flight capabilities

Last March, the Spanish consortium SATNUS successfully completed the fourth flight demonstration campaign under Pillar 3 of the Next Generation Weapon System / Future Combat Air System (NGWS/FCAS) program, held at the INTA CEDEA facilities. The campaign comprised a total of nine flights aimed at verifying the flight control software dedicated to collaborative Manned Unmanned Teaming (MUT) operations, led by SATNUS and developed in cooperation with international partners Airbus GmbH and MBDA, and integrated into the Next Generation Autonomy Computer (NGAC). During these tests, the Remote Carriers were represented by both real and simulated platforms of the MCSD (Manned Unmanned Teaming & Common Systems Demonstrator).

During the campaign, key MUT functionalities were demonstrated, including formation flight, evasive manoeuvres, collaborative navigation, mission replanning, and formation breakup, among other capabilities. Flights involved up to three real Remote Carriers operating simultaneously, supported by UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía's technological contribution in guidance, navigation and control (GNC) systems, which acted as a key enabler for the safe execution of the flight manoeuvres carried out within the objectives defined by SATNUS under Pillar 3 of the NGWS/FCAS program.

The campaign concluded with the execution of flights 29, 30, and 31, in the presence of the Combined Project Team (CPT) and representatives from the National Program Offices of the three participating nations: Spain, France, and Germany.

Engineering teams from all SATNUS partner companies, including members from UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía, carried out highly specialised work to achieve this milestone, successfully meeting all established objectives. In this context, UAV Navigation–Grupo Oesía's contribution supported the proper execution of operations and helped validate the capabilities demonstrated throughout the campaign.

SATNUS has expressed its appreciation for the support and trust of the Spanish Armed Forces and the Spanish Ministry of Defence throughout the entire process and will continue advancing the development of capabilities within other NGWS/FCAS-related programs.