VIVAERO

Tempest: the 6th generation fighter developed in partnership by the United Kingdom, Japan and Italy should take some time to get off the ground

History teaches us that a country's military capacity represents the power it can exert over others. Of course, the world has changed in recent centuries. Today, the economy plays an even more important role. Or even diplomacy and cultural issues.

But even in this context, military power still counts for a lot. See the recent case of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Or even all the support that NATO represents. Going a little further, we can even mention the Cold War.

Given this, there is a permanent search for new technologies. Not necessarily to use them. Simply having it can mean respect from other nations.

Speaking specifically about a country's air forces, today, the world's main powers have so-called fifth generation stealth fighters. This is the case of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, from the United States. Or even the American Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II. There is also the Chinese Chengdu J-20. And the Russian Sukhoi Su-57.

All reach speeds above 2,000 km/h and are able to camouflage themselves under radar. Some of these models, however, are approaching their 20th anniversary and are about to be left behind by a new generation.

In a globalized world, this sixth generation fighter is being developed by 3 countries together: the United Kingdom, Japan and Italy.

To be more precise, by the companies BAE Systems (British), Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japanese) and Leonardo (Italian).

They are part of a strategic partnership called the Global Combat Air Program.

The Tempest will be one of the most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected fighters in service in the world.

The sixth generation should bring updates to the fuselage, improving aerodynamics.

The exhausts will also be improved for a lower heat signature and lower rear radar signature.

The jet engine, which is being built by Rolls-Royce, has an electrical power output 10 times greater than those in current combat aircraft and can power directed energy weapons, including lasers.

The Tempest will be equipped with a comprehensive intelligent weapons system, as well as a software-controlled interactive cockpit, integrated sensors and a powerful state-of-the-art radar.

This radar will be able to provide 10,000 times more data than current systems, giving it a decisive advantage.

There's even an augmented reality cockpit with few actual physical controls or readouts.

Instead, virtual instruments and controls are projected onto surfaces via the pilot's display.

Furthermore, the plane will rely heavily on Artificial Intelligence that learns from its pilot.

When should it fly for the first time?...The combat aircraft is expected to enter service in 2035 only. The first tests and designs, however, have already begun.

The model is also on display at the traditional Farnborough Fair, the Farnborough International Airshow, which takes place in England.

The fighter's display at the site suggests that the partners may be eyeing the export market. It may also be a kind of defense mechanism.

Following the recent change of government in the UK, there are currently doubts that the project will go ahead. The new prime minister has not yet stated whether he will continue to pay for this expensive initiative.

Without British money, companies would look for other sources of funding. Hence the presentation at the aeronautics fair.

The information is from New Atlas.