By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: UK Announces 6th Generation Fighter
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > UK Announces 6th Generation Fighter

UK Announces 6th Generation Fighter

Luke Willmoth
Last updated: 8 December 2019 16:48
By Luke Will
3 Min Read
Share
SHARE

At the Farnborough airshow this week, the Royal Air Force of the United Kingdom, made it’s first announcement and unveiled the first scale model of what has been dubbed the “Tempest” sixth generation fighter for the United Kingdom- due to take to the skies by 2035 in replacement for the Typhoon and Tornado-

The mockup of the Tempest, a true aerodynamic beast, was put together by a special RAF Group of Engineers known as “team tempest”

BAE Systems will contribute the advanced combat air systems and integration; Rolls-Royce will provide the advanced power and propulsion systems; Leonardo is responsible for advanced sensors, electronics and avionics and MBDA is in charge of the advanced weapons systems.

Britain's defence minister, Gavin Wiliamson unveiled a model of a new jet fighter, called 'Tempest' at the Farnborough Airshow, in Farnborough, UK

Upon climbing into the cockpit, the most remarkable point to note is there is no controls inside. The aircraft’s controls are fully virtual and self contained inside the HUD of the helmet worn by the pilot; This helmet interacts with both the pilot’s hand and eye movements and, having tried it out, it becomes apparent how easily this aircraft could be unmanned and remotely controlled as well as manned if the circumstances require it. However, a BAE trainer who demonstrated the aircrafts HUD stressed that, on many battle scenarios, human intuition is still essential.

The weaponry on the aircraft will include energy weapons that can fire concentrated bursts of laser, microwave or particle beams.

But perhaps the most eye-catching feature will be the ability to launch ‘swarming’ drones that can be launched and operated by the pilot; The idea behind this is to overwhelm any enemy’s air defence systems with so many incoming drones that it cannot cope.

App-like software will be able to enhance the aircraft’s capabilities over time so it evolves to keep ahead of changing combat conditions.

What is also truly remarkable about the technology is that it will be able to give the pilot cognitive feedback and also detect whether their alertness and responses are flagging.

The people working on this programme over the next decade are just as likely to be psychologists as physicists, engineers or IT specialists. It will also safeguard many thousands of skilled British jobs for at least the next two decades.

The aircraft will not come into service until 2035
Image: The aircraft will not come into service until 2035

The Ministry of Defence has allocated £2bn towards its development costs but, given that the Typhoon cost £20bn to develop, this may prove to be a stretch to develop such a remarkable aircraft.

It was truly inspiring to see this model and to experiment with its technology, and the team here at Global Aviation Media shall be keeping a close eye and reporting on any developments!

 

You Might Also Like

Air Canada Rouge A319 Cabin Pressure Loss
United Airlines Lifts Full-Year Outlook on Travel Rebound, But Newark Woes Cloud Q3 Forecast
Delta Launches Bid for Direct Cape Town Flight
easyJet Closes Base at Newcastle and Axes International Flights
Cargolux 747 Could Not Retract Landing Gear
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Luke Willmoth
ByLuke Will
Follow:
Chief Executive Officer - Luke founded Travel Radar in 2015, transforming it from a passion project into a leading independent media publication. With a vision for storytelling and innovation, he continues to shape its success in the travel industry.
Previous Article First BelugaXL maiden flight a success.
Next Article Farnborough Airshow Day Four – In Review
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest

guest

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

mobile app
SITA’s Mobile Ground Crew APP With EasyJet
Airports Technology Travel
Air Canada new partnership is set to connect with exclusive Canadian restaurants
Aeroplan-DINR Collaboration to Connect with Canada’s Best Restaurants
Airlines Travel
Eastern Airways
Eastern Airways “In Danger Of Collapse” With Jobs At Risk
Airlines Aviation Breaking News Travel
Twelve feared dead as a small aircraft has crashed off the coast of Kenya in Kwale, image shows the remains of the crash whilst emergency services fight the fire and look for survivors.
Twelve Feared Dead As Small Aircraft Crashes In Kenya
Breaking News Incidents & Accidents
Boston Logan International Airport
Man Attacks Two Teens With Metal Fork Onboard Lufthansa Flight
Breaking News Incidents & Accidents
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Not a member? Sign Up