MBDA has been awarded a contract by the UK MoD’s DSTL (Defence Science and Technology Laboratory) and the French DGA (Direction Générale de l’Armement) to launch a new tranche of research and technology (R&T) under the aegis of the MCM-ITP
(Materials and Components for Missiles - Innovation and Technology Partnership) research and technology program.
Over the last six years, and with an annual budget of approximately €13 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 centres and academia in France and the United Kingdom.
The unique MCM-ITP business model, which sees industry contributing 50% of the funding, is the benchmark for research and technology development in the defence sector and now continues into a second phase through to 2015 and beyond.
MBDA and the MCM-ITP industrial consortium are now opening an annual call for research proposals, during December 2013. Commercial and academic organisations wishing to participate can visit the MCM-ITP website for further details (www.mcmitp.com).
“The principle of the MCM-ITP program is unique in the Defence sector allowing France and the United Kingdom to collaborate closely in their Research & Technology objectives. At its heart is the drive for innovation and we allocate 30% of the funds to SMEs and public and private laboratories,” said Steve Wadey, MBDA Executive Group Director Technical and Managing Director UK (photo).
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,” he added.
The MCM-ITP program allows technologies to be matured 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), with each of these domains being led by MBDA or one of its partners (Nexter, Qinetiq, Roxel, Safran Microturbo, Selex ES and Thales).
