United Kingdom would like to accelerate development plan of Tempest stealth fighter

January 2020 news defense aviation aerospace air force industry
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For the next 12 months, the United Kingdom would like to accelerate its plan to develop the next-generation stealth fighter under the Tempest program. This program covers existing platforms such as Typhoon and F-35, as well as Tempest, the program initiated by the UK to develop a next-generation combat air system.

United Kingdom would like to accelerate development plan of Tempest stealth fighter 925 001 Mockup of Tempest stealth fighter unveiled in September 2019 at DSEi defense exhibition in London, United Kingdom. (Picture source Air Recognition )

The Tempest is an Under Development fighter aircraft concept to be designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom for the British Royal Air Force and the Italian Aeronautica Militare. It is being developed by a consortium known as "Team Tempest", consisting of the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo S.p.A. and MBDA, and is intended to enter service from 2035 replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft in service with the RAF and AMI. Two billion pounds will be spent by the British government on the project by 2025.

Team Tempest brings together the UK’s world-leading industry and sovereign capabilities across future combat air’s four key technology areas: advanced combat air systems and integration (BAE Systems); advanced power and propulsion systems (Rolls-Royce); advanced sensors, electronics and avionics (Leonardo) and advanced weapon systems (MBDA).

The companies will have until December 2020 to complete their analysis of a program critical to the future of Britain’s combat air capabilities.

The new Tempest fighter is meant to take flight sometime around 2040, replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon for the British Royal Air Force. The promise of a sixth-generation capability lies in the integration of manned and unmanned planes carrying weapons and sensors, tied together by a complex data network and cloud-like information infrastructure.

A real size mockup of the Tempest was unveiled in September 2019 at the DSEI defense exhibition in London, UK. Tempest will be able to fly unmanned and use swarming technology to control drones. It will incorporate artificial intelligence deep learning and possess directed-energy weapons. Another piece of technology is designed into Tempest is so-called Cooperative Engagement Capability, the ability to cooperate on the battlefield, sharing sensor data and messages to coordinate attack or defense. Tempest will feature an adaptive cycle engine and a virtual cockpit shown on a pilot's helmet-mounted display.