Call for EDF development actions implemented via actual cost grants

Objective : New generation manned and unmanned military aerial platforms require enhanced avionics able to support new architectures and functions, while providing higher performances, safety and cyber resilience. Against this background, new solutions regarding, for instance, hardware (HW), software (SW, including operating systems, middleware, system services, etc.) and framework, need to be defined in order to comply with new requirements for processing, network, interfaces, storage, power supply, etc. Military aerial platforms, from fighters to helicopters and other specific mission platforms, could benefit from the application of civil technology breakthroughs and standards. However, they require dedicated solutions to comply with specific military requirements (e.g. SWAP, multi-level security data flow, real time reactive response, etc.). In particular, modular architectures for avionics are widely recognised as key to reduce development cycles and costs and to increase interoperability in multi-industrial collaborative development, compared to classical federated systems. Therefore, the concept of core integrated modular avionics has been already defined in the civil aviation market. However, the next generation military aerial platforms, both manned and unmanned, will operate through a system-of-systems approach which implies much higher data sharing and processing needs than in the civil market, as well as new specific requirements in terms of development cycle (cf. need for faster adaptability of mission solutions applying DevSecOps type of development, but also involvement of more industrial entities) and in terms of defence-related missions. The general objective is then to exploit the knowledge and solutions conceived for civil purposes in the application of such technologies on various military platforms in accordance with defence requirements. Specific objective The challenge of this topic is to study, design and demonstrate, within a 3-year timeframe, key components for a next generation military integrated modular avionics (NG-MIMA) for various military platforms able to operate in the tough digital battlefield as foreseen in the future. Scope : The proposals must address the study and the development of key technologies supporting the next generation of military integrated modular avionics (NG-MIMA). The proposals should consider multiple military aerial platforms that should operate in a defence air cloud context, both manned and unmanned, including other than fighters. Use cases analysis and identification of the NG-MIMA key technologies must be addressed and possible future architectures, including possible applicable methodologies and processes, should be described. In addition, the proposals should include proofs of concept, demonstrations and even prototyping of a selection of the envisioned key technologies to be determined according to the studies to be performed, hence paving the foundations for future development actions in this area. The proposals may consider simulations and model-based system engineering. In any case, the use of EU and EDF associated countries (Norway) technologies without restrictions from non-associated third countries must be highly prioritised, leveraging on sovereign European technological components, systems and know-how. The proposals should target at least TRL 4 (component and/or breadboard in laboratory environment) for the key technologies addressed. 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,