Tempest technologies make headway, industry team claims
Highlights include an advanced radar, next-generation combustion system and wearable cockpit technologies
Team Tempest industry partners BAE Systems, Leonardo, MBDA and Rolls-Royce on 15 October announced progress on various technologies for the future UK RAF combat air system.
Leonardo UK is developing a new radar called the Multi-Function Radio Frequency System, which it stated can deliver more than 10,000 times more data (equivalent to nine hours of HD video per second) with onboard processing than existing systems.
The company has already built complete sub-systems using the new technology and successfully tested them at its Edinburgh facility.
For its part, BAE Systems announced that flight tests have begun of ‘cutting-edge concepts’ for wearable cockpit technologies (pictured), developed with support from MBDA UK. These replace conventional physical controls with AR and VR displays projected directly inside the visor of a helmet, which can be instantly configured to suit any mission.
Concepts including human-autonomy teaming are also being developed, where a ‘virtual co-pilot’ could take on some of the pilot’s responsibilities. BAE Systems noted that the virtual co-pilot concept is still being developed, but could take the form of an avatar built into the cockpit to interact with the pilot.
BAE Systems test pilots are also trialling psycho-physiological technologies such as eye-tracking in controlled test flight conditions in a Typhoon aircraft, to study aircrew physical and cognitive processes.
Meanwhile, advanced combustion system technology is being developed by Rolls-Royce for Tempest. Engineers have explored the use of advanced composite materials and additive manufacturing as part of this work, producing lightweight, more power-dense components capable of operating at high temperatures.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopters achieve full operating capability]()
UK Royal Navy’s upgraded Commando Merlin helicopters achieve full operating capability
A total of 19 Mk3 and six Mk3a Commando Merlin helicopters have now been upgraded to the Mk4/4a standard, with the work overseen by the procurement arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), Leonardo and the Royal Navy (RN).
-
![Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds]()
Switzerland’s Hermes 900 procurement faces further delays and headwinds
The Swiss Federal Audit Office has said the drones won’t meet planned military requirements until 2029, after extensive delays pushed timeline back to the end of 2026.
-
![Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM]()
Italy “in favour” of Saudi Arabia joining GCAP, says PM
Prime Minister Moloni's comment came as Italy and Saudi Arabia signed a swathe of agreements totalling $US10 billion for greater cooperation, including between its defence and aerospace industries.
-
![The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades]()
The Philippines eyes procurement of additional FA-50 jets and upgrades
The Philippine Air Force is reportedly finalising terms for the upgrade of 12 and additional procurement of several FA-50 aircraft with KAI, with Embraer’s A-29 Super Tucanos procurement also completed.
