UK unveils new next generation fighter jet, the 'Tempest'
 

Interesting...

https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-u...st/?no_cache=1

-RP

Meet the Tempest
 

Apparently designed in conjunction with Leonardo...didn't see this one coming.

...and I suspect, we'll never see it flying either. Not so much a paper plane as a cardboard plane?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44848294

First flight "hoped to be" 2035? No rush, then.

Ah, some reports say "Operational" by 2035; the "first flight hoped by 2035" is from the Beeb.

UK Unveils new Tempest fighter design
 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-44848294

A model of the UK's planned new fighter jet, the Tempest, has been unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show.

The UK's Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, said the jet could be used with either pilots or as a drone. The aircraft, which will eventually replace the existing Typhoon fighter jet, will be developed and built by BAE Systems, engine maker Rolls-Royce and Italy's Leonardo.Mr Williamson said the UK would be investing £2bn in the new project.

The hope is to see it flying by 2035.Mr Williamson said the programme was aimed at ensuring the UK's continued leadership in fighter technology and control of air space in future combat: "We have been a world leader in the combat air sector for a century, with an enviable array of skills and technology, and this strategy makes clear that we are determined to make sure it stays that way."He added that the UK, currently excluded from the latest fighter programme underway between France and Germany, was not against forming a partnership with other nations: "It shows our allies that we are open to working together to protect the skies in an increasingly threatening future - and this concept model is just a glimpse into what the future could look like."'Direction of travel'

Aeropace giant Airbus embraced the move: "Airbus welcomes the UK's commitment of funding for the future fighter project. We look forward to continuing collaborative discussions with all relevant European players."Earlier, the chief executive of BAE Systems, Charles Woodburn, told the BBC's Today programme that the new jet would be some time in coming."We already have the Typhoon platform which forms the absolute bedrock of European air defence and that'll be in service for decades to come," he said.He added that the inner workings of the new craft would start life within the Typhoon."The important thing about the new concept is that it will illustrate a direction of travel and many of those technologies that will be embodied in that will first see their service through the Typhoon."For example, upgrades on the avionics, upgrades in the weapons systems, upgrades in the radar will be deployed through the Typhoon and will be deployed there and then."

Why not, comms and data links can be spoofed or jammed.

The intention is for it to be in both manned and unmanned versions.

How to make your Crews feel wanted, 101.

This is mocked-up from a Tonka wreck? Certainly looks like they nicked the undercart. Hmmm, one pie-in-the-sky after another. Presume this will be carrier capable? ;)

OAP

How else will you get SO's with the "right" experience???

Boo, Hiss...
 

I know I’m not surprised but threads like this take on a familiar pattern.

It’ll never be as good as a TSR2/Phantom/Hunter. It’s ugly. We won’t get enough. It’ll be rubbish. I wouldn’t have done it like that. Etc, etc ad infinitum.

Clearly I am wired differently to lots of people on this forum. When I read the article I think ‘brilliant, a new fighter’. It shows forethought and ambition with a fair amount of commitment to it so far.

As for the piloted/unpiloted mix I think it makes perfect sense. The mothership and drone concept is not new. It should actually excite us not scare us.

Anyway, I expect I’ll be a lonely voice amongst the masses but why not try to see the positives. If nothing else it shows that my kids may get to be fighter pilots after all.

BV

Well I hope that this gets the go-ahead and won't be canned like so many previous generation UK designs.

Perhaps it might even fly on the 70th anniversary of Duncan Sandys sticking his knife into British fighter design?

1. Government allows UK design leadership to atrophy over many years, turns us into subcontractor to the world, lacks the balls to craft a positive UK-led way forward that shows faith in the UK aviation industry and fails to back the industry in the way that other counties like France support theirs = moan.

2. Government shows signs of responding to that, finally and unexpectedly growing a pair and backing UK industry with a proposal involving UK design leadership of a UK-driven Typhoon replacement, on a timeframe that reflects Typhoon OoS = still moan.

Sic transit PPRuNe.

I'm pleased and cautiously encouraged to see this development. I also fully expect that this early concept will evolve somewhat over time, and acknowledge that a lot of difficult water will pass under the bridge before it gets anywhere near IOC.

Looks an awful lot like the F22

Glad to see that OAP is now on board with the idea of carriers and is supportive of at least starting the project with an eye to deck operations - probably not STOVL - and not repeating the mistakes of the past by designing a purely land-based cab........