Britain’s bridge to sixth generation air power
This pioneering programme is one of several initiatives led by Team Tempest to advance cutting‑edge technologies and develop the skills needed to keep the UK at the forefront of combat aircraft design, production, testing and certification.
Delivered through a partnership between the Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls‑Royce and MBDA, the programme supports a nationwide ecosystem of engineers, digital specialists and manufacturers, strengthening the UK’s sovereign defence capability.
Building on a proud heritage in combat air, this marks the first time in 40 years that the UK has led the early design and development of a completely new combat aircraft. The Demonstrator plays a critical role in proving advanced aerospace technologies, harnessing industrial expertise, and developing the national skills required to deliver next‑generation air power.
UK suppliers
People
Early careers
People
Digital design
Advanced digital engineering is at the heart of the Demonstrator programme. Using a suite of high‑fidelity simulators and test rigs, the aircraft has been designed and evaluated years ahead of its first flight. At a dedicated facility in Lancashire, test pilots from BAE Systems, Rolls‑Royce and the Royal Air Force have already completed hundreds of hours flying the Demonstrator in a bespoke simulator, providing critical insights to shape the aircraft’s design and future flight trials.
By embracing innovative design, manufacturing and testing approaches, the programme is building confidence in new processes and technologies—accelerating development and helping ensure the successful delivery of sixth generation air power capabilities.
Advanced manufacturing
Manufacturing and assembly of the main aircraft structure is underway on the country’s first crewed combat air demonstrator for a generation. Two thirds of its structural weight now in manufacturing.
Using modern manufacturing techniques is improving quality, repeatability and efficiency while enabling complex aircraft structures to be produced with greater precision.
Transforming at pace
The Demonstrator is one of a number of technology demonstration projects ongoing under the UK Future Combat Air System (FCAS) Programme, where UK Government funded is being matched by industry funding.
The development of next generation combat air systems is continuing to drive investment in people, training and processes, and through the use of digital technologies, we are improving productivity and pace of the sovereign combat air sector.
Sovereign expertise
Skills and knowledge are being transferred from our experienced engineers, onto the next generation of engineers, keeping the UK at the forefront of global aerospace innovation.
More than 1,000 people have worked on the programme across Team Tempest partners and the UK supply chain, as well as 150 early careers completing part of their training on the programme.
Around 200 colleagues who contributed to the demonstrator are now working on GCAP, taking forward experience gained on real systems.
UK partnerships
The Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is a result of close collaboration between government, industry and academia. Delivered in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and MBDA and wider supply chain. Together we are co-investing in next generation technologies and transform to more agile and cost-effective delivery models.
Over 100 organisations from across the UK are contributing specialist knowledge, advanced manufacturing and engineering expertise to the programme, strengthening sovereign capability and fosterling long term growth.
The programme strengthens the supply chain by giving early exposure to future requirements and standards.
Design and development work for the Demonstrator is taking place at various sites across the UK – including across Air sites in the North West, North East and South East.
combat air strategy launched
2018
UK Combat Air Strategy launched, setting out the ambition to develop the technologies, skills and industrial capability required for the next generation of UK combat air capability.Development announced
2022
UK Ministry of Defence and Team Tempest industry partners announce development of a Combat Air Flying Demonstrator — the UK's first crewed combat air demonstrator aircraft programme in four decades. The aircraft is intended to accelerate technology development and provide vital design and manufacturing experience.Technology matures
2023
Technology maturation activities continue across digital engineering, flight controls, advanced manufacturing, propulsion and systems integration. Details revealed of the technologies being developed and tested on the programme.Manufacturing gathers pace
2024
Manufacturing and assembly of the aircraft gathers pace. Engineers conduct simulated flight trials, engine testing and advanced software development, including the use of auto-coding for safety-critical flight systems.Design revealed
2025
Aircraft design publicly revealed for the first time.Two-thirds of the aircraft's structural weight is in manufacture and test pilots from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the RAF have completed more than 300 simulator flight hours in a bespoke simulator.