Edgewing has awarded an 18-month contract to the GCAP Electronics Evolution (G2E) consortium to continue development of the integrated sensing and communications systems for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

Edgewing is the joint venture between Leonardo S.p.A., Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. (JAIEC) and BAE Systems plc responsible for the design and development of the sixth-generation GCAP fighter aircraft. The award follows a contract signed between Edgewing and the GCAP Agency, which manages the programme on behalf of Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom.

The G2E consortium comprises ELT Group and Leonardo S.p.A. of Italy, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan and Leonardo UK Ltd. Together the four businesses form a single strategic enabling partner for the Integrated Sensing And Non-Kinetic Effects & Integrated Communications Systems, known as ISANKE & ICS. The GCAP aircraft is being designed to incorporate ISANKE & ICS from the outset, fusing data across its sensors and communications to give pilots an information advantage in the congested airspace of the 21st century.

Andrew Howard, G2E Consortium Interim General Manager, says: “This contract reflects the progress we have made to transform from national companies to a single international entity. We stand ready to deliver the next critical period in the ongoing development of the programme.”

The G2E team is expected to work closely with GCAP Agency and Edgewing partners at the programme’s headquarters in Reading as the electronics work moves into its next phase.