Windshape, swiss aeropole and CSEM partner with Boeing

Boeing partners with Western Switzerland key players Windshape, swiss aeropole and CSEM to advance the existing Swiss-based UAS ecosystem, developing critical technologies that will shape the future of the commercial and defense aerospace industry.

Boeing is proposing 11 new unmanned aircraft system (UAS) research projects with partners across Switzerland’s French, Italian and German-speaking regions. The research and development efforts will advance the existing Swiss-based UAS ecosystem, developing critical technologies that will shape the future of the commercial and defense aerospace industry.

“Switzerland has proven that it has the resources to become a leader in the global UAS industry. We are looking forward to bringing our expertise in this field and collaborating to foster innovation with our Swiss partners,” said Dr. Michael Haidinger, Boeing Managing Director of Germany, Central & Eastern Europe.

The proposed research projects will unite Boeing and Swiss partners around several UAS themes, including: research and technology development, rapid prototyping, flight testing, and regulatory and certification processes.

Currently, Boeing is in discussions with 10 different potential Swiss partners to support this research effort. Among them, some key players from Western Switzerland have already signed Letters of Acknowledgement to collaborate with Boeing on these projects.

WindShape and swiss aeropole will develop a test facility for environmental testing and certification of UAS vehicles in Payerne, in the canton of Vaud.

The Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM) will contribute on microelectronics research and development for UAS in Neuchâtel.

Partnerships with over 100 Swiss companies in 30 years

The partnerships will be led by Boeing Research & Technology (BR&T) teams specializing in autonomous and unmanned systems. The Boeing research and technology development projects are part of Boeing’s Air2030 industrial engagement plan to provide the country with a new fleet of F/A-18 Block III Super Hornets.

Boeing has enjoyed a great relationship with many local industry partners over the last 30 years and has worked with more than 100 companies in Switzerland.