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The prime has partnered with a small aircraft manufacturer to explore the development of a light-weight, electric-powered aircraft.
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BAE Systems and Slovenia-based company Pipistrel Aircraft have agreed to collaborate on the exploration of new solutions for the defence and security market, including the development of electric aircraft.
As part of the joint effort, BAE Systems has committed to leveraging its experience in the advanced military aircraft space, while Pipistrel explores light-weight sustainable solutions for electrically-powered platforms.
Electric aircraft technology is being considered as part of a broader endeavour to reduce carbon emissions, reducing the impact on the environment and delivering reduced running costs.
“We’re excited to be working with Pipistrel as a well-known leader in the light aircraft space, specialising in electric power,” Ian Muldowney, chief operating officer, BAE Systems Air, said.
“This is an opportunity to help evolve the range of products and services we can offer to our customers who are responding to rapidly changing defence and security priorities.
“While operational capability will always be the priority in defence, we know that solutions that are sympathetic to the environment are becoming increasingly important and our collaboration with Pipistrel presents a fantastic opportunity to leverage our joint expertise.”
Ivo Boscarol, founder and CEO of Pipistrel Aircraft, noted the importance of reducing emissions in the aviation sector.
“We welcome BAE Systems’ initiative to embrace cutting edge and type-certified electric propulsion technologies that are already deployed in our Velis Electro,” he added.
“As we look into the future, we are excited about this collaboration, bringing enhanced potential for an even greater product.”
The announcement of the new collaboration comes just weeks after the Commonwealth government pledged a $1.5 billion package to extend BAE Systems Australia’s Hawk Lead-In Fighter program until 2031.
Under the agreement, the company would continue to provide maintenance, in-service and engineering support to the Royal Australian Air Force until 2031.
Upgrades have also been scheduled for the horizon, with BAE Systems Australia signalling that they would oversee the 951 Adour engine upgrade for the fleet by 2025, better aligning the systems with the UK’s T2 Hawk aircraft.
[Related: BAE Systems announces contract extension for Hawk Lead-In Fighter]
