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The latest design of the UK’s flagship Combat Air Flying Demonstrator has been revealed, with two-thirds of its structural weight now in manufacturing.
The piloted supersonic aircraft is the first of its kind to be developed in the UK in 40 years, with industry partners such as BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, MBDA UK and the UK Ministry of Defence.
The aircraft’s main structure, wings and tail fins are all in advanced stages of development using robotic and digital manufacturing and assembly technologies at BAE Systems’ sites in Lancashire.
“This significant and challenging project will deliver the UK’s first crewed combat demonstrator aircraft in four decades,” BAE Systems Future Combat Air Systems Delivery director Tony Godbold said.
“The program is accelerating the development of advanced design approaches and manufacturing techniques, helping to sharpen the UK’s industrial edge and deliver benefits beyond the production of the aircraft.
“As well as developing a unique aircraft, we’re building the technical foundations, workforce readiness and digital maturity essential to deliver the next generation of combat air capability.”
Designed to test a wide range of new technologies, including the integration of stealth compatible features, the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is a crucial part of the work to develop manufacturing processes and de-risk the next generation combat aircraft that will be delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) with the UK, Italy and Japan.
“I am delighted that today, BAE Systems and the Ministry of Defence, can share this important update on the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator,” UK Ministry of Defence Future Combat Air director Richard Berthon said.
“For the first time, people can see how this cutting-edge demonstrator aircraft will look when it takes to the skies.
“Manufacturing of the aircraft continues at pace, which is testament to the ingenuity and collaboration of government and industry teams.”
“The Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is providing invaluable lessons on future combat air delivery and equipping our people with the skills they will need to deliver GCAP.”
Test pilots from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the Royal Air Force have now flown more than 300 hours of the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator in a bespoke simulator.
Using simulated flight trials, pilots and engineers can rapidly assess the flight control systems during more complex flight manoeuvres, capturing crucial data about how the jet will handle and perform, years before its first flight.
