BAE Systems, following in the footsteps of Lockheed Martin (with Skunk Works) and Boeing (with Phantom Works), is also creating its own division of innovation and advanced aerospace research, called FalconWorks.
According to the CEO of the new unit, Dave Holmes, FalconWorks will have a different structure than its American counterparts. And it will not follow their own model of secrecy, of developing technologies in the “dark”. Instead, a more teamwork approach will be preferred, with contact with small and medium enterprises, academics and government organizations, so that everyone can work together. FalconWorks will also bring together BAE Systems’ capabilities around the world where it has an industrial presence, including Australia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, the UK and the US.
The UK’s current sixth-generation fighter jet program – the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) – will of course also be targeted, with Holmes stating, however, that “we need to think more broadly about what’s coming in the 2060s, the ‘ 70’s and 80’s and at the end of the century”. Other developments will be autonomous cooperative platforms as well as electric vertical landing systems and pseudo-satellites. Holmes cited BAE Systems’ PHASA-35 solar-powered high-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial system as well as the T-650 VTOL UAS as examples.
It is noted that innovation and continuous investment in research and development is the only way for a country to reach and remain at the cutting edge of technology. The United Kingdom has invested there, which is also reflected in the ranking in the World Innovation Index, where it is in 4th place worldwide behind the USA, Sweden and Switzerland.
