As an industrial architect and systems integrator, we know how to develop and apply state-of-the-art technologies. This rare skill makes us a pivotal player in ensuring the strategic autonomy of France and Europe, in terms of both civil and military aviation.
Our focus on innovation is reflected by major research contracts and substantial self‑financed investments. We are working on the ongoing development of the Rafale (F4 and export standards), as well as on the development of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), the Falcon 6X and 10X, the Falcon 8X Archange, the Falcon 2000 Albatros, in addition to the Eurodrone and nEUROn UCAVs.
In order to achieve the right balance between long‑term technological developments and short‑cycle innovations, we are developing architectures capable of integrating developments and breakthroughs, while meeting the highest level of security requirements. We are also actively engaged with a large ecosystem of start‑ups, with a view to fostering innovation.
Inspired by the need for fuel‑efficient, high‑performance aircraft, we are working on solutions to reduce air transport emissions. We are involved in research programs that seek to achieve technological and operational breakthroughs from an environmental point of view. These breakthroughs relate to three main issues: reducing aircraft drag and weight, specifically thanks to the use of high‑aspect‑ratio laminar flow wings; improving fuel consumption thanks to optimized flight paths; and using sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) that offer significant reductions in the carbon footprint of aviation.
As part of France’s civil aviation research council (Corac), we are actively involved in a series of technology maturation projects that are in step with the French aeronautics stimulus plan.
Since 2008, Clean Sky 1 and 2 have provided us with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate our technological solutions. In the process, we have worked with some 20 major partners in seven European countries. We are pursuing this collective approach with the Clean Aviation program, which follows on from the two previous Clean Sky projects.
Our main research focus continues to be in the areas of ecodesign, new materials, as well as maintenance and recycling technologies aimed at optimizing aircraft life cycles.
Sesar, a European joint undertaking devoted to improving air traffic management, has contributed to the development of our Falcon Eye system, which provides safe access to airports in conditions of poor visibility, including those with limited technical resources.
The next phase of the Man‑Machine Teaming (MMT) program, which is devoted to developing advanced solutions for enhancing man‑machine interfaces, is currently under preparation. This phase will further consolidate the ecosystem that has already been developed to facilitate the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into military aviation.
Clean Aviation, Sesar, Corac: concrete partnerships for a sustainable environment
