Team Tempest, the UK-led partnership developing next-generation air combat technologies, has announced three significant milestones in the construction of the first crewed stealth fighter jet built in the UK for 40 years. The Combat Air Demonstrator, part of the UK's Future Combat Air System (FCAS) and its contribution to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), is nearing completion.
Half of main structure assembled
Approximately half of the main structure of the UK Combat Air Demonstrator has been assembled. More than 11,500 components have been designed so far, accounting for around 90% of the aircraft's total weight, with many produced through the UK supply chain. The programme also completed its first robotically assembled component at BAE Systems' Factory of the Future. The structure is due to undergo testing later this year alongside one of the aircraft's wings.
Excalibur Flight Test Aircraft modifications complete
The Excalibur Flight Test Aircraft, described as the UK's flying laboratory, has completed a major modification programme and is preparing for the next stage of flight trials. This aircraft will be used to test advanced integrated sensing and communications technologies intended for the next generation of combat aircraft.
Advances in propulsion technology
Critical advances in propulsion technology have been achieved through the Orpheus engine demonstrator. These developments are part of Team Tempest's efforts to mature the capabilities needed for a world-leading FCAS.
Richard Berthon, director of Future Combat Air at the UK Ministry of Defence, said: 'These achievements demonstrate the pace and scale of progress being delivered through the Team Tempest enterprise. From advanced digital manufacturing and flight testing to next-generation propulsion technologies, we are maturing the critical capabilities needed to deliver a world-leading Future Combat Air System for the UK.'
Reducing risk for GCAP
Team Tempest said the advances would help reduce technical risk across the wider GCAP programme while supporting the Royal Air Force's future operational requirements in an increasingly contested security environment. Since its launch in 2018, Team Tempest has focused on developing the technologies, engineering expertise and industrial capability required to deliver the UK's future sovereign combat air capability.
Berthon added: 'The expertise, skills and technologies being developed today are not only reducing risk for GCAP, they are strengthening our sovereign combat air capability and ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of air power innovation for decades to come.'
Team Tempest brings together the Ministry of Defence (MoD), BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA and Rolls-Royce.
