The Council of Ministers has approved the thematic call for research and development proposals in the field of Next Generation Combat Air Technologies (NGCAT).
The Royal Higher Institute for Defence will organise an information briefing on knowledge security, more specific on the topic of security clearances, which will take place on Monday morning 25 November 2024.
This information session is organised within the framework of DEFRA and the NGCAT Call and in cooperation with the National Security Authority (NVO) and the Security Service of Defence (ACOS IS). It is aimed at both the public and private sector.
Agenda 09:00 – 09:45 Registration and coffee 09:45 – 10:15 Briefing by NVO/ANS 10:15 – 10:30 Q&A 10:30 – 11:00 Briefing by ACOS IS 11:00 – 11:30 Q&A
The site “Kwartier Maj Housiau” is difficult to reach by public transport.
Parking is available on site.
Registrations will close on 18 November 2024. Registrations after this date will not be accepted.
Register via the website of the RHID Information briefing on knowledge security 2024 11 25 (November 25, 2024): Overview · Events@Defence (Indico)
More information on the call themes and budget
| Max TRL | Indicative budget in M€ | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Theme 1 - Structures and associated subsystems |
6 | 12 | 24 |
| Theme 2 - Propulsion and accessories | 6 | 6 | |
| Theme 3 - Communication, cyber, avionics, embedded sensors and networks | 6 | 10 | |
| Theme 4 - Transversal disruptive enabling technologies | 7 | 8 | |
| TOTAL 60 M€ | 36 | 24 | |
More information on the call themes...
The projects will have a duration of minimum 24 to maximum 30 months.
| Activity | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Information session | 7/05/2024 (13h30 – 18h00) |
| Deadline Expression of Interest | 7/06/2024 (14h00) |
| Communication of eligibility check | 28/06/2024 |
| Deadline Full proposals | 25/09/2024 (14h00) |
| Remote evaluation | 1/10/2024 – 29/11/2024 |
| Consensus reporting | 30/11/2024 – 15/12/2024 |
| Feedback to applicants in preparation of panel meeting (consensus reports and questions to applicants) | 18/12/2024 |
| Written feedback by applicants (answers) | 10/01/2025 |
| Experts Committee evaluation, incl. interviews with the applicants | Between 20/01/2025 and 31/01/2025 |
| NGCAT Programme Selection committee |
January 2025 |
| Final selection of proposals by the board of directors of the RHID | 20 February 2025 |
| Communication of results to applicants | 24 February 2025 |
| Signature of contracts and start of activities | March 2025 |
The Expressions of Interest as well as the full proposals must be electronically created, elaborated and submitted via the online submission platform.
The template for the full proposals is made available on the website. The coordinators of the eligible Expressions of Interest will get access to the online submission platform for the full proposal submission. The templates to be used will be made available on the platform.
Theme 1: Structures and associated subsystems
Next Generation aircraft platforms (both next generation fighter and remote carrier types) rely on new technologies such as high-precision manufacturing, smart surfaces technologies, light-weight design and manufacturing techniques.
Complete wing like structures and sections will include the electrification of the actuation system for high-lift and control surfaces, ensuring high-performance, lower weight and increased reliability, with health monitoring for predictive maintenance and self-tests, complexity reduction and Line Replaceable Unit/Modules approach for fast replacement. The aerodynamical surfaces will consider smart surfaces technology, with multi-materials, structural health monitoring and damage-tolerant design.
Innovative approaches for thermal management to ensure the complete temperature control of the equipment and body surface temperature control for reduced IR signature and advanced technologies for structural integration of battery packs and active flow control (to support manoeuvring with reduction of the radar signature) are of interest.
Technology focus areas are:
Theme 2: Propulsion and accessories
Future Integrated Propulsion System will be able to deliver propulsive and non-propulsive energy. For propulsive energy, the challenge is on the one hand to be able to deliver a high thrust for interception missions and on the other hand, to have a low fuel consumption in order to allow endurance flight for loitering missions or extended range for penetration missions. For the non-propulsive energy (mainly electricity produced by electrical generators), the challenge is the ability to deliver variable amount of energy without any impact on the delivery of thrust or the engine’s operability.
Hereafter is a short list of the main coming challenges in propulsion and accessories for which the Belgian industry is in a strong position to bring added value:
Technology focus areas are:
Theme 3: Communication, cyber, avionics, embedded sensors and networks
Cloud Combat and C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) are critical domains in the modern battlefield. In recent years, advances in technology have led to the development of Cloud Combat Platforms, which are designed to enhance the situational awareness and decision-making capabilities of military personnel. These platforms leverage cloud computing, big data, distributed computing, advanced communications, and autonomous and collaborative operations to provide real-time insights and analysis.
In today's interconnected world, the aviation industry is experiencing rapid technological advancements aimed at enhancing efficiency, safety and situational awareness. However, this progress also brings forth a myriad of challenges in fields such as cybersecurity, communication, on-board computing power, big-data management, sensor fusion, visualization technologies etc. In an interconnected environment with multiple manned and unmanned assets, enhanced manned-unmanned teaming is paramount to operational success.
As the boundaries between the digital and physical world blur, the need to prioritize and strengthen cybersecurity in aviation becomes paramount. Next-generation combat aircraft technologies are continuously evolving to meet the increasing demands of modern warfare. Nonetheless, these advancements also introduce new cybersecurity challenges that must be addressed to ensure the safety, reliability, and effectiveness of these systems.
Technology focus areas are:
Theme 4: Transversal disruptive enabling technologies
Transversal disruptive technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Materials, Internet of Things (IoT), Additive Manufacturing, Energy Management, along with Advanced Modelling, Digital Twins and Digital Threads, Cloud Computing and Big Data Analytics, are revolutionizing all the subdomains of Structures and Subsystems, Propulsion and Accessories, and Communication, Cyber, Avionics, and Networks in the defence and aviation sectors. These technologies enable smarter, more efficient, and secure operations, enhancing everything from design, engineering, manufacturing and in service support and are essential for increasing European technological autonomy.
