Reminiscent of the EAP prior to Typhoon?
https://www.defensenews.com/digital-...t-gen-fighter/
“........The Future Combat Air System Technology Initiative, or FCAS TI, contract to develop the technologies is being delivered over 10 years, which is expected to be followed by a more production-focused initiative. While the program is being delivered by a team of British companies, all the parties stressed that the team is looking for partners, be it at the TI stage or later on in the program.......
FCAS TI essentially replaces the Anglo-French FCAS program that kicked off in 2014, although Air Cmdr. Linc Taylor, assistant chief of staff of capability for combat air for the Royal Air Force, stressed that work with France is still very much a priority of the U.K. “This leverages some really strong work we are doing with France,” Taylor said........
A number of demonstrators will be used by the Tempest team to test different aspects of the design, according to Michael Christie, strategy director at BAE Systems, who added that development will begin immediately now that the combat air strategy contract has been signed. He also said some existing demonstrators are being used and that wind tunnel testing has been underway since the beginning of the year to help determine the aerodynamic properties needed from the design.
Bone, meanwhile, noted Leonardo UK hopes a flying demonstrator will begin tests in the mid-2020s.......