The Spanish consortium SATNUS, formed by GMV, Sener and Tecnobit-Grupo Oesía, has recently completed the third flight test campaign of the FCAS/NGWS program, successfully validating the Manned-Unmanned Teaming & Common Systems Demonstrator (MCSD), a platform based on a modified target drone.

The campaign included solo flights of the platform, as well as coordinated missions involving multiple MCSD units flying autonomously. These flights enabled the integration and testing of the Next Generation Autonomy Computer (NGAC), a key component for future Remote Carrier operations.

“A key achievement was the success of end-to-end testing of functional chains on board and on land for multi-platform operations,” stated SATNUS.

The aircraft flew in precise coordination, showcasing the capabilities of the advanced flight control systems. UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía, as a subcontractor, played a critical role in enabling synchronized autonomous flights.

This campaign is part of the activities assigned to SATNUS under Pillar 3 of the Spain-France-Germany NGWS/FCAS collaboration, which focuses on the maturation of technologies for Remote Carriers and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUT). UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía contributes to Pillar 3 through a subcontract with SATNUS Technologies SL, supporting the development and risk reduction of remotely operated elements within the future combat air system.

Through its continued participation, UAV Navigation-Grupo Oesía provides advanced technological solutions and comprehensive support in the development, integration, and operation of autopilot systems. This contribution is essential to the evolution of the program’s technological capabilities and to meeting the demanding requirements of next-generation air combat systems.