Another major milestone in the European Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (MALE RPAS) programme was attained with the achievement of the System Preliminary Design Review on November 22nd.

The European MALE RPAS Programme Participating States have taken a major decision on the way ahead. After an intense period of preparation, OCCAR-EA launched the invitation to tender to the potential future prime contractor, Airbus Defence & Space GmbH on 31 October.

An SLA was signed between OCCAR and the NSPA already in 2014 to benefit from NSPA’s logistic support capabilities in accordance with the Aerospace and Defense Specification 2000M (ASD S2000M). 

The fourth amendment recently signed NSPA provides an extension of the services for another 3 years (2019-2021).

The European MALE RPAS Programme Division (MRPD) has placed a contract with the German Air Navigation Service Provider – DFS Aviation Services (DAS) – on a Preliminary Safety Assessment. The objective of the safety assessment is focused to provide resilient results and figures for the integration of the European MALE RPAS in segregated and non-segregated airspaces.