autoevolution 28 Apr 2021, 13:45 UTC ·
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The UK is getting closer to launching their first fleet of uncrewed fighter aircraft. Team MOSQUITO, comprised of Spirit AeroSystems Belfast, Northrop Grumman and Intrepid Minds, who won the government contract back in January, is working on taking the project to its next phase. 1 photo
Team MOSQUITO’s task is to develop the Lightweight Affordable Novel Combat Aircraft (LANCA), which will fly alongside fighter jets in the Royal Air Force. This will be the UK’s first uncrewed system that is capable of both surveillance and attack, acting as a “loyal wingman” for fighter jets.
As the leader in the project, Spirit Belfast announced that they are advancing the LANCA concept by combining high-tech digital applications with the best manufacturing and design procedures. This includes using a modified version of their “
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BELFAST, Northern Ireland, April 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE: SPR) Belfast announced today it will lead Team MOSQUITO, comprising Spirit Belfast, Northrop Grumman and Intrepid Minds, on further development of the Royal Air Force s ( RAF ) Lightweight Affordable Novel Combat Aircraft (LANCA) concept to full demonstration capability. Initially supporting more than 100 STEM jobs at Spirit Belfast s facility, the project has the potential to sustain further expertise in the wider UK supply chain.
Exploiting agile design principles, sophisticated digital applications, and advanced manufacturing skills, the team will generate knowledge and evidence for a potential follow-on project. Findings could lead to this revolutionary capability being deployed by the RAF to enhance protection, survivability and information advantage to aircrews.