Future Combat Air System Tempest begins concept and assessment phase
NewsJuly 30, 2021
UNITED KINGDOM. The Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with British industry Team Tempest partners aiming to drive forward the next phase of the major national and international endeavor to develop the next generation of combat air.
Known as Tempest, the Future Combat Air System is expected to combine a core aircraft with a network of capabilities such as uncrewed aircraft and advanced data systems to form a next-generation mix design to enter service from the mid-2030s.
According to officials, the contract will see investment in the digital and physical infrastructure on which the program will be developed, putting it on a digital-first footing whereby simulated design and testing can reduce costs, time, and emissions.
The contract has been signed with BAE Systems, one of the four founding members of Team Tempest which also includes partners Leonardo UK, Rolls Royce, and MBDA UK. Now officially underway, the concept and assessment phase will aim to define and begin to design the future combat air system, mature technologies across the system, and secure digital and physical infrastructure and tools.
