The GCAP Tempest is a “sixth-generation” stealth fighter being developed jointly by the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Originally launched as the UK-led Tempest project in 2018, it aimed to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon. Japan’s parallel effort, the F-X program, intended to replace its Mitsubishi F-2, focused on similar technologies. In 2022, both projects merged to form GCAP, combining industrial and technological strengths. A new concept model was revealed in July 2024, with the first operational aircraft expected by 2035.
two major details from an interview by the royal air force.
“We’re talking really extreme range, maybe getting across the Atlantic to America on internal fuel” (reason why the wing’s are so large?)
“Payload is what we’re all about… we’re talking roughly double an F-35A’s payload”
Simple reading for the lazy people:
Role: expected to be a Multirole Development: Bae Systems Tempest & F-X Predecessors: My beloved Eurofighter Typhoon & Mitsubishi F-2 Countries that are involved: Japan, Italy & UK
development phase: 2025
demonstrator: 2027
production begins: 2035 (possibly 2029? from new sources)
It also has some interesting details animated, including what seems to be 2D thrust vectoring, the fully moving angled tail and these interesting small control fins on the back.
I’m guessing their all using the same, or maybe britain & Italy are making up something for their own. I might do a little research on it if I can… Have they specified a name for this new radar?
Does look similar to the old render, at least in my opinion. Speaking of 2d tvc, the GCAP model/render engine does look similar to that of the F-22 nozzles could suggest tvc but I find it strange on a 6th gen
We know each nation will contribute to something
“Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems, and Leonardo will work on the aircraft body. They have already planned their roles by fall 2023. IHI in Japan will develop the engine, and Mitsubishi Electric will be in charge of the electronic systems inside the body”
My best guess for what it is is a later depiction of F-X (pre-GCAP) that we just haven’t seen before.
But it being used does suggest that GCAP design isn’t fully locked in. I think what we’re seeing now is the design for the testbed that’s under construction, which is likely going to be for GCAP what YF-22 was for F-22.
I could see TVC being used to minimize movement of the control surfaces as a way to reduce visibility. But it could also just be low visibility design around non-TVC engines.
Hopefully it won’t fall under the F-22 Raptor situation: extremely expensive to maintain and manufacture and actually makes the step further in the new generation aircraft and away from the old but yet active forth generation.
