The news comes after a successful return of the Farnborough Air Show after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. With multiple international companies attending the world famous event, BAE systems took the opportunity to stay ahead of rivals by announcing future plans for its latest airline company. With the Typhoon still a major part of the RAF’s backbone, BAE is now investing in work that will allow new technologies to be implemented on a Typhoon before it evolves into Tempest. In addition, once Tempest is operational, concept ideas can also be used and introduced on a Typhoon as an upgrade for future requirements.
The ability to switch between the two should ensure that both planes can remain relevant for decades to come.
The work is in line with Britain’s Combat Air Strategy, which set out an ambitious but clear vision that put Typhoon at the heart of its frontline combat operations.
Speaking about the project, and discussed extensively with reporters in Farnborough, Anthony Gregory, BAE’s Market and Strategy Development Director for Europe, said: “If we start with the end in mind, where will we be in 2035 at FCAS (Future Combat Air System) IOC and beyond, and how are we investing across the continuum, starting with Typhoon and reaching FCAS, to get where the UK needs to be.
“It is as much a matter of maximizing investment and increasing efficiency as it is strengthening a sovereign combat air capability – continuing to take pride in the value and skills we bring to the UK.”
BAE Engineers are leading the project, which will include various branches of development and technology.
Common designs between the pair include Human Machine Interface through an advanced Typhoon cockpit equipped with a Large Area Display showing how it can be deployed in various aircraft types.
In addition, model-based engineering and simulation will also allow for testing processes on different platforms before installing them on working models.
Data technology and information processing will also play a major role in the hybrid project.
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Reaching a climax of the plans, Mr Gregory continued: “Through this work, we are exploring opportunities to drive commonality and spiraling technology and capability development between Typhoon and FCAS, following the path set out by the UK Combat Air Strategy four years ago. turned off.
“By doing this, we are significantly shortening timescales to bring capabilities online faster than before, by changing the way we work; all this makes for a more flexible, affordable and capable product.
“For each frontier, we go through this work, our teams develop new skills and ultimately a sovereign capability that the UK needs, and maintain the value that comes with that.”
During the Air Show, Generation Tempest announced that it would have a demonstration aircraft in the air within 5 years.
Herman Claesen, BAE Systems’ managing director for FCAS, said digital versions of the Tempest have already flown.
He said: “We are already flying this plane digitally.
“We have already made 100 flying hours.
“The design, development and construction of that demonstrator is progressing very well.”
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Details of the demonstrator, including the model of the engine to be supplied by Rolls-Royce, are yet to be revealed.
BAE’s director Cliff Robson said: “It is a low-sensitivity aircraft and the technology is very sensitive.
“This announcement is an important step to ensure that our technology, skills and industrial capabilities are future-proof.”
Sweden, Italy and Japan have all expressed interest in collaborating on the project, with BAE, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK and Rolls-Royce all working with the Ministry of Defense (MoD) to develop a “Generation Tempest” initiative. launch.
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Rival projects have seen huge setbacks, giving Tempest an edge and, according to one aviation expert, “an unassailable edge”.
The Franco-German-Spanish version of SCAF’s sixth-generation fighter has seen disputes between partners push the project back by several years.
French defense giant Dassault saw its director, Eric Trappier claim “We have already lost three years in two years.
“If these disputes between the two companies resurface every two years, it will ultimately become impossible to complete the program.”
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