Northrop Grumman Corp. (NOC), European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. or EADS NV (EADSF.PK, EADSY.PK) and EuroHawk GmbH Monday refuted media reports indicating that there are challenges with the aircraft's flight control system in the Euro Hawk program, and that excessive costs were incurred associated with completing airworthiness certification.
Noting that the trio remains fully committed to the Euro Hawk program of record and the critical capabilities it would provide the German armed forces and its allies, the firms said the full Euro Hawk system, including the mission control system and the sensor, has performed flawlessly and safely throughout the entire flight test program.
The German armed forces already has one Euro Hawk and were planning to buy four more of the drones. The drone project was canceled by Germany earlier this month, citing the cost required to meet standards that were necessary to win airworthiness approval.
The additional costs were reportedly 500 million to 600 million euros with no guarantee about the approval. Allegations followed, just four months ahead of an election, that taxpayers' money was squandered on the project.
"Media reports that indicate there are challenges with the aircraft's flight control system, as well as excessive costs associated with completing airworthiness certification, are inaccurate,'' a joint statement by the three companies read.
EuroHawk GmbH will continue to work with customers to address any concerns they may have with the system. The team will also provide an ''affordable and achievable plan to complete flight testing of the initial asset and the eventual production and fielding of the full system of four additional aircraft,'' it said.
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