BAE launches new facility to accelerate combat air R&D

BAE Systems has announced the launch of a new research facility to accelerate the development of new combat air capabilities.

FalconWorks will focus on generating ideas, innovation and collaboration, working with new and existing partners, academia, research organisations, SMEs and national governments to deliver rapid concepting of new products and services needed by air force customers.

Specialists from the division will assess emerging trends and deliver solutions with speed and efficiency, increasing the use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, quantum sensing and robotics.

They will also collaborate with partners in areas such as autonomy, synthetic environments and electrical powered air systems.

Dave Holmes, managing director of FalconWorks at BAE Systems, said: “Defending our freedoms is becoming ever more unpredictable – the only constant is change. The creation of FalconWorks is a reflection of the changing environment and our goal to ensure innovative technology development is at the core of everything we do.

“This new division builds on our established expertise in world-leading combat air programmes such as Typhoon, F-35 and Tempest to unlock opportunities to expand our portfolio and deliver the breakthrough technologies which keep our customers ahead.”