7 February, 2019: MTU Aero Engines, a German aircraft engine manufacturer and Safran Aircraft Engines have officially entered into a partnership to jointly lead the development, production and after-sales support activities of the new engine that will power the next-generation combat aircraft, as part of the Franco-German Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The partnership was witnessed by the French and German Ministers of Defence, Florence Parly and Ursula von der Leyen respectively.
Safran Aircraft Engines will take the lead in engine design and integration and will be responsible for the combustor, high-pressure turbine and the afterburner. While MTU Aero Engines will take the lead in engine services and will be in charge of the low and high-pressure compressors and the low-pressure turbine.
Aerospace Embedded Solutions (AES), the present joint venture will be in responsible for the engine control hardware and software under the responsibility and the lead of Engine integrator (Safran Aircraft Engines). The goal is to attain a balanced French-German industry programme share, assuming balanced funding by France and Germany.
By 2040, the aircraft will enter into service to complement the current generation of Eurofighter and Rafale fighter aircraft.
The partners will supply the Forces with their longstanding experience in military engines, the best technologies and innovative engine architecture by making sure that the programme is managed effectively.
“Through this collaboration which represents a step forward, we manifest that Safran is going to play a leading role in the construction of European defence industry.” said Philippe Petitcolin, CEO, Safran.