MBDA has been awarded a contract by the U.K. Ministry of Defense’s Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the French armaments agency DGA for a new round of research and technology (R&T) under the Materials and Components for Missiles-Innovation and Technology Partnership (MCM-ITP) research and technology program.
This month, MBDA and the MCM-ITP industrial consortium open an annual call for research proposals. Commercial and academic organizations wishing to participate can visit the MCM-ITP website for further details (www.mcmitp.com).
Over the last six years, and with an annual budget of approximately $17.8 million, the program has supported over 100 state-of-the-art research projects.
The partnership community has developed and now includes over 100 industrial partners, SMEs, research centers and academia in France and the United Kingdom. The unique MCM-ITP business model, which sees industry contributing 50 percent of the funding, is the benchmark for research and technology development in the defense sector and now continues into a second phase through to 2015 and beyond.
Photo: MBDA
MBDA Executive Group Director Technical and Managing Director U.K. Steve Wadey said: “The principle of the MCM-ITP program is unique in the defense sector allowing France and the United Kingdom to collaborate closely in their Research and Technology objectives. At its heart is the drive for innovation and we allocate 30 percent of the funds to SMEs and public and private laboratories. Preparing the right technologies for the future generation of missile systems with high levels of innovation provides a foundation for a competitive and integrated industrial base in France and the UK.”
The MCM-ITP program allows technologies to mature in the laboratory which, once validated, can then become part of future technology demonstrators of missiles, equipment or missile systems, before being used by the armed forces in weapons which could enter into service during the next decade and beyond.
The program comprises eight different domains relevant to missile development–including systems, infrared and radar sensors, solid propulsion, air-breathing propulsion, warheads, safety and arming units and fuzes, materials and electronics.
Each domains is led by MBDA or one of its partners: Nexter, QinetiQ, Roxel, Safran Microturbo, Selex ES and Thales. MBDA is owned by BAE Systems and EADS, each with 37.5 percent, and Finmeccanica with 25 percent.