Summary
- New GCAP concept model with larger wingspan unveiled
- Tempest expected to be one of the world’s most advanced fighters by 2035
- Tempest project showing promise with UK, Italy, Japan collaboration
At a time when there are ever-present questions over the funding and future of the US Navy’s F/A-XX manned sixth-generation fighter and the US Air Force’s NGAD fighter, the Tempest appears to be moving ahead. The three nations developing the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)—commonly known by the British name Tempest—have unveiled a new concept of the manned next-generation fighter. The GCAP fighter jet is being jointly developed by the UK, Italy, and Japan and is expected to come into service around 2035.
New GCAP concept model unveiled
The new concept model was unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow and is the first concept model since Japan merged its project with the Anglo-Italian one (the tri-nation Global Combat Air Programme is now 18 months old). Compared to earlier concepts, the aircraft has a larger wingspan and improved aerodynamics. As the aircraft is still at an early stage of development, its form might still change with ongoing development work.
“The combat aircraft, set to be in service in 2035, will be one of the world’s most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected fighter jets in service, boasting an intelligent weapons system, a software-driven interactive cockpit, integrated sensors and a powerful next generation radar capable of providing 10,000 times more data than current systems, giving it a battle-winning advantage.” – BAE
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Photo: Royal Air Force (RAF)
If and when the Tempest enters service in 2035, it will be one of the most advanced and connected fighters ever created. As with other sixth-generation fighters, it will be part of a larger system that will include loyal wingman drones and AI technology, a ‘wearable cockpit,’ and even lasers.
Related
Defense Review: UK GCAP “Tempest” 6th-Gen Fighter Jet Program Future In Doubt
The program, launched in 2018, is led by the UK’s giant BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, and missile producer MBDA.
An uncertain future but showing promise
BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) are leading development on Tempest (or the Global Combat Air Programme). Development is still in the concept phase, and as with all large, complicated, and expensive projects, there is no guarantee the aircraft will ever be built, but it is at least showing promise at this stage.
That said, there is discussion about whether the new British government will cancel the project as it reviews the country’s defense spending. This is happening in the context of growing speculation surrounding the development of the F/A-XX and NGAD. While around half a dozen sixth-generation manned fighters are known to be in development, there is nothing certain any of them will ever be completed as concepts of the future battlespace continue to evolve.
Photo: Airbus
Other countries like Sweden are known to be involved in the GCAP project, while others like Saudi Arabia have shown an interest in it. Europe’s other sixth-generation fighter project is being jointly developed by the French, Germans, and Spanish but is considered behind in its development cycle (projected to enter service in 2040 or later). Disagreements have even led to speculation that Germany will abandon the project and join the Tempest program.