At the Farnborough International Air Show, UK, Italy e Japan they presented for the first time the new fighter plane of the Global Combat Air Program (Gcap), created by Leonardo, BAE Systems e Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The GCAP booth, located in Hall 5, displayed an advanced model of the aircraft, which captured the attention of experts and the public for its innovations and cutting-edge design. The event represents the first public meeting of these three government and industry partners.
New generation fighter
Il new model of the next generation fighter on display at the Gcap stand presents a advanced design with an enlarged wingspan to improve aerodynamics. This feature was designed to optimize the aerodynamics of the aircraft, improving efficiency and performance in flight. Engineers from Bae Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are collaborating in the design and development of the aircraft, using innovative digital technologies such as computer modeling and virtual reality.
In service in 2035, here are the characteristics
The new generation fighter, which they have in the UK called Tempest, it will enter service in 2035 and will stand out for its advanced capabilities. The aircraft will be equipped with an intelligent weapon system, an interactive cockpit based on latest generation software and integrated sensors. In addition, the fighter's radar will be able to process and deliver 10.000 times more data compared to current systems, guaranteeing unprecedented information superiority. These features will not only improve the operational capabilities of the fighter, but will also ensure greater interoperability and adaptability in missions.
What is Gcap
The Global Combat Air Program is an international initiative of great importance in the field of combat aviation. This partnership, which brings together the UK, Italy and Japan, aims to develop a new generation fighter which will represent an important leap forward in aeronautical technology and in the operational capacity of the armed forces involved. The program aims to produce an aircraft that will not only meet the modern challenges of air warfare, but will also set the standards for the future of combat aviation.
The initiative will employ tens of thousands of skilled people in the UK, Japan and Italy, developing industrial skills and technologies for the future.
“The pace of the program is extraordinary and is centered on a solid foundation, an industrial heritage shared with each country, under the leadership of their respective governments. Since the signing of the treaty in December 2023, the program has seen strong commitment from all. Each brings different but complementary qualities and needs. Right now we are working to exchange mutual knowledge and achieve common goals. The program is extremely important for Italy, for Leonardo, including its UK headquarters, and for Italian industry in general. The GCAP represents the future of the fighter aircraft from a System of Systems perspective, for the benefit of generations to come" he commented Guglielmo Maviglia, Chief Global Combat Air Program Officer of Leonardo.
“In the 18 months since the launch of the Global Combat Air Programme, we have worked closely with our industrial partners in Japan and Italy, and with the three governments, to understand and align the requirements for a next-generation fighter. The new model, presented at the Farnborough International Air Show, shows significant progress in the design and conception of this future fighter. We will continue to test and evolve the design as we move into the next phase of the program,” he commented Herman Claesen, CEO Future Combat Air Systems, BAE Systems.
“MHI considers the project a valuable opportunity to deepen knowledge, since GCAP is a joint development program between Japan, the United Kingdom and Italy, we expect to achieve better results and deeper knowledge by combining the different cultures, experiences and knowledge of the three industries involved. I also hope that this program, with the broad participation of Japanese defense companies, will foster innovation in the country's industrial sector such as digital transformation, as well as the development of human resources in science and technology,” he said Hitoshi Shiraishi, Senior Fellow, GCAP, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
