Lieutenant General Dr Ansgar Rieks, Vice Chief of German Air Force, talks about the next generation weapon system (NGWS) and the future combat air system (FCAS). He explains that there are two key components to realise this project: First there must be the operative idea that was born to combat an enemy with immense anti air capabilities. The Second key factor is technology which has led to some discussion between the involved parties, but now the project entered the so-called Phase 2 Bravo (a technology development phase). Up till now data transmission often worked from point to point. That is about to change with the development of NGWS where data will come together in the cloud. From there the data can be analysed and sent precisely where it is needed, says Rieks.
The key question is compatibility. for example, will the F35 fighter jets be integrable with this new combat-cloud System? Rieks said he himself cannot really imagine there will be a way to integrate the F35 system with other aircraft types, as the F35 system is a closed one. This example shows there is a need for defining a common standard for communication as has been done before.
Watch the entire interview (in German) here:
