GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Air-to-air combat is a challenging and interdisciplinary field in a high-threat and time-critical environment. The air to-air missiles currently in service are generally of a good technological standard. However, the requirements for all aspects of such missiles are constantly increasing in number and complexity. Given this environment, it is conceivable that future air-to-air missiles will need to be designed and operate differently.

The key challenge is to prepare for the development of a missile that can counter future air threats on an economically viable basis.

The research activities performed are expected to mature relevant technologies up to TRL13 5-6.

Proposals must address the definition of requirements for a Future Short-Range Missile (FSRM) to be primarily used on combat aircraft for air-to-air applications, as well as a modular interceptor concept to minimise impact on aircraft integration and maximise internal carriage capacity.

In addition, proposals must address the possibility to use the FSRM or its components for a ground-based air defence application.

The proposals may also explore combined mode operations (i.e., air-to-air and air-to-ground) for the FSRM. Proposals may also analyse any operational and technical requirements in view of possible combined (i.e., air-to-air and air-to-ground) operations for the FSRM.