Edgewing Readying Global Footprint For GCAP Engineering | Aviation Week

Edgewing, the trinational consortium set to serve as prime contractor for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), began preparing a global production footprint across the three countries where the new fighter will be assembled. Based in Reading, England, the consortium is developing new facilities at Warton in England, Turin in Italy, and Nagoya in Japan, locations where partners BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries have traditionally built combat aircraft. Edgewing’s CEO Marco Zoff said ramp-up is underway and the company is also finalizing a secret communications network linking the three countries for digital aircraft development. The firm is using an 18-month, £4.6 billion ($6.2 billion) contract awarded earlier this month to advance the concept and assessment phase, followed by a detailed design phase expected to require another multi-billion-pound contract. Edgewing and GCAP Agency chief executive Masumi Oka did not comment on a July 20 announcement about Canada becoming the first GCAP observer. Meanwhile, Avio Aero, IHI, and Rolls-Royce are completing design reviews for the engine demonstrator.