Tempest is leveraging and developing the very best technology in existence, working in partnership with academia and high-tech SMEs across the UK, embracing new ways of working and investing in advanced technology to drive pace and efficiency.
Innovation sits at the heart of everything we do, and new, UK-generated intellectual property will be critical to sustaining operational advantage and freedom of action.
The Tempest partners have worked closely in recent years with related civil sectors, including automotive, to invest in crosscutting technologies with wide benefits, such as autonomy, advanced manufacturing and advanced materials.
We are championing new approaches to the development and delivery of future combat air technologies, using digital engineering to design and innovate, embracing artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and ground-breaking wearable technologies that will ensure Tempest remains at the cutting edge of advancements in defence technology.
Ground-breaking technology development
Tempest is the UK’s future combat aircraft that will be delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme with sixth-generation capabilities to be one of the world’s most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected fighter jets in service.
Software driven, interactive cockpit allows pilots to take control using gestures. Augmented and Virtual Reality displays project vital information directly in front of the pilot’s eyes. Next Generation Radar
Powerful radar can provide 10,000 times more data than current systems, giving battle-winning advantage. Software Driven System
An open systems architecture allows easy and rapid changes in capability to suit any mission. Integrated Sensing
Advanced, highly-integrated sensors and communications systems work seamlessly together to provide vital information to the pilot. Efficient Power
A world first electrical starter generator saves space and provides the massive amounts of power required. Intelligent Weapons Systems
Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, the system exploits information from the aircraft to maximise the effect that weapons can deliver.
Extended Reality Helmet
All the essential information that the pilot needs to manage the mission is projected onto the helmet visor instead of physical displays. It allows full operation day and night and provides 2D, 3D and holographic displays so that the pilot can instantly get vital information anywhere they look.
Eye tracking technology allows for the rapid access of information. Audio is projected from the helmet or headset in the exact direction it comes from allowing the pilot rapid determination of sound direction as well as greater situational awareness of the battlespace.
Pilot monitoring
The pilot’s eye positioning and dilation, brain wave activity, heart rate and breathing rate are all monitored. The data is processed to understand the pilot’s mental and physical response to a situation.
This is passed to the on-board Artificial Intelligence system that can step in and assist the pilot when required ensuring the pilot doesn’t become overloaded with tasks and information and can perform the mission effectively.
Advanced Life Support
Sensors are built into the pilot’s flying suit that vibrate in different sequences to provide cues, alerts and warnings. They work effectively in environments with a lot of noise where traditional cues would be impaired.
This supports the pilot in situations like high-g, altitudes, temperatures, vibration and long duration missions To make sure they can carry out any mission safely and effectively and in comfort.
Our Factory of the Future at Warton in Lancashire sees us working in partnership with the brightest minds across the supply chain, from university professors to blue chip companies and SMEs, to research, invest and test new technologies and transformative ways of working.
The intelligent factory is a connected hub of technologies, designed to drive pace and cost-effectiveness into production of our aircraft today and demonstrate how aircraft could be built in the future.
Combat air demonstrator
We are developing a flying combat air demonstrator to test crucial technologies needed for the next generation combat aircraft, Tempest.
It will provide evidence for the critical technologies, methods and tools, which will be used on the next generation Future Combat Air System (FCAS).