The GCAP Tempest is as many know, a sixth-generation stealth fighter under development as a joint program of the UK, Italy, and Japan under the Global Combat Air Programme. The UK-led Tempest project was launched some time in july 2018 with the aim to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon. Japan’s parallel effort called the F-X program, which was aimed at replacing its Mitsubishi F-2, focused on similar technologies.
In 2022, both projects were merged into GCAP, incorporating industrial and technological strengths. A new concept model was revealed in July 2024, with the first operational aircraft expected by 2035. The GCAP is expected to have twice the F 35 payload which has been stated in a interview by the royal air force. The range has also been described as ‘extreme’ and the ability to fly across the Atlantic to America on full internal fuel. The true size of the aircraft has been said to be one third larger than the Eurofighter Typhoon, and as shown of their models, it has large wings, presumably for it’s ‘extreme’ range.
“We’re talking really extreme range, maybe getting across the Atlantic to America on internal fuel”
“Payload is what we’re all about… we’re talking roughly double an F-35A’s payload”
Role: Multirole
Development: Bae Systems Tempest & F-X
Predecessors: Eurofighter Typhoon & Mitsubishi F-2
Countries that are involved: Japan, Italy & UK, Germany could be a possibility in the future.
demonstrator: 2027
production begins: 2035
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.
From my understanding at least reading what they are talking about it seems U.K might be unwilling to share some specific technologies? I wonder why though considering Italy and Japan are basically sharing everything.
Sorry for the very late response I am not that up to date right now.
I might have to recheck but as far as I’m aware Italy is interested in bringing Germany into the program, so well see how that plays out I guess.
This might also be late news but I might as well bring it up.
Would probably be Germanys best choice, even if we only get some privileges to modify it ourselves in exchange for money, but afaik Tempest and FCAS are designed for very different doctrines, so not sure if our military would be happy with that solution. Doing it ourselves (or maybe just with spain and maybe Sweden, dunno if they already have a project going tbh) would probably take too long or be too expensive.
Also, according to Reuters the meeting is currently scheduled for the 11. December
