Call for EDF development actions implemented via actual cost grants

Objective : The main objective of the next generation self-protection systems (SPS) is to increase survivability of fixed-wing and rotary-wing, combat or non-combat aircraft in hostile environments. SPS is to face a wide, heterogeneous and evolving spectrum of hostile and directly threatening systems of surveillance, as well as to prioritise risks in the operational area and select the proper reaction mode through a network of distributed capabilities exploiting sensor nodes of various type inter/intra platforms. It should be reconfigurable depending on the mission and the platform targeted. It should also be able to self-adapt while operating, based on scenario monitoring and mission assets availability. Specific objective When operating in semi-permissive or even non-permissive environments, fixed- and rotary- wing platforms face a large spectrum of hostile systems of surveillance and direct threats, which are continuously improving their technology and effectiveness. Recent events in Ukraine and Syria clearly call for not neglecting any high intensity scenario and question the current self-protection capabilities of fixed- and rotary-wing, combat and non-combat platforms. Surface-to-air and air-to-air missiles with a wide range of guiding systems (RF, optronics) and a wide range of associated surveillance/warning systems are to be considered, as well as hostile fires and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). The specific objective is to develop an enhanced SPS able to protect against: direct threats (e.g. missiles, loitering munition, RPG, etc.); indirect threats (e.g. surveillance/acquisition/tracking systems also with Low Probability of Intercept (LPI) radar capability; new proliferating types of threats, such as those in the field of loitering munitions, directed energy weapons (DEW) and cyber electromagnetic activity (CEMA) capabilities. Scope : The proposals must address the design, prototyping and testing of a new generation of integrated self-protection system, designed to protect both fixed- and rotary-wing, combat and non-combat platforms, with very high efficiency, in view of allowing the usage of these platforms for mission accomplishment even in contested airspace. Types of activities The following table lists the types of activities which are eligible for this topic, and whether they are mandatory or optional (see Article 10(3) EDF Regulation) : Types of activities (art 10(3) EDF Regulation) Eligible? (a) Activities that aim to create, underpin and improve knowledge, products and technologies , including disruptive technologies, which can achieve significant effects in the area of defence ( generating knowledge ) No (b) Activities that aim to increase interoperability and resilience, including secured production and exchange of data, to master critical defence technologies, to strengthen the security of supply or to enable the effective exploitation of results for defence products and technologies ( integrating knowledge ) Yes(optional) (c) Studies , such as feasibility studies to explore the feasibility of new or upgraded products, technologies, processes, services and solutions Yes(optional) (d) Design of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology as well as the definition of the technical specifications on which such a design has been developed, including any partial test for risk reduction in an industrial or representative environment Yes(mandatory) (e) System prototyping of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology Yes(mandatory) (f) Testing of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology Yes(mandatory) (g) Qualification of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology Yes(optional) (h) Certification of a defence product, tangible or intangible component or technology Yes(optional) (i) Development of technologies or assets increasing efficiency across the life cycle of defence products and technologies Yes(optional) The prop