Europe spyplane in doubt after Spain crash

Posted on: Sep. 25th, 2006 || Source: Reuters | E-mail Article | Print Article

FRANKFURT (Reuters) - The future of a European project aimed at matching U.S. and Israeli prowess in unmanned spyplanes that could eventually fire weapons was thrown into doubt after a test model crashed off the coast of Spain.

European aerospace group EADS (EAD.PA: Quote, Profile, Research) said it would decide on the future of the German-backed project code-named Barracuda once it knew why the prototype plunged into the sea on Saturday.

The sleek, pilotless plane crashed as it was trying to land at the San Javier Air Force base during its second test flight.

The fuselage and right wing have been recovered and EADS is working with Spanish and German authorities to work out why it failed, EADS spokesman Theodor Benien said on Monday.

"After the results of the investigation we will decide whether and how we will continue with this specific program," the spokesman said.

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