Test pilots begin simulator ‘flying’ at Warton on the long climb towards Tempest take-off in 2035

And already test pilots at a new facility at BAE Systems in Warton have flown more than 150 hours in a bespoke simulator to prepare for the take off of a special flying technology demonstrator aircraft in the next four years.

The fliers from BAE Systems, Rolls Royce and the RAF are providing crucial evidence ahead of flight trials for the demonstrator which will test new systems in the air to be incorporated eventually in Tempest.

The demonstrator will be the first combat one in a generation in the UK and was first announced by Defence Secretary and Preston North MP Ben Wallace last year. Mr Wallace said in July 2022 that the trials aircraft would be flying within five years and so work has been romping along among combat air industry partners to meet that deadline.

In a first for military aircraft design, BAE Systems’ engineers have used auto coding to create safety-critical systems software in a matter of days rather than weeks. This enables rapid assessment of the flight control systems during more complex flight manoeuvres with the simulator capturing crucial data about how the jet will handle and perform, years before its first flight.

Engineers have also been carrying out aerodynamic engine testing, harnessing new advanced manufacturing processes to produce an engine duct which is uniquely shaped to slow the air from supersonic to sub-sonic speeds at the engine face. The intake has fewer moving parts than a traditional fighter jet design, enhancing the aircraft's stealthy design. The test was conducted at Rolls-Royce’s site in Filton, Bristol, in the same facility where the Concorde Olympus engine was tested in the 1960s.

Working alongside UK crew escape specialist, Martin Baker, a team of BAE Systems engineers has led ejection seat trials, using a rocket-propelled sled travelling at speeds of more than 500mph. Experienced engineers have worked alongside junior team members to pass on vital skills which can be taken forward into future developments of Tempest.

This range of novel technologies will demonstrate and test key elements of the next generation combat air design as well as skills, tools, processes and techniques needed to develop Tempest, the aircraft that will be delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme, with the UK, Italy and Japan.

Richard Berthon, Director Future Combat Air for the MOD, said: “The Flying Demonstrator programme is a remarkable effort to design and build a supersonic stealth jet that will prove integration and develop our national skills, while providing data and learning in support of Tempest entering service by 2035.

“Today, for the first time, we are able to lift the lid on some of the key work that is taking place on this important programme. Tempest is no longer just an idea or concept on a computer; our industry partners have made real, tangible progress and are bringing the programme to life through innovative projects, such as the flying demonstrator.”

Neil Strang, Tempest Programme Director, BAE Systems, said: "It’s now 40 years since our people led the demonstrator aircraft programme which gave birth to Typhoon and the work we’re doing today is another once-in-a-generation opportunity to write the next chapter in aviation history. Right across the Tempest programme we’re using digital techniques and innovative design and engineering methods, to ensure we can deliver Tempest in service by 2035.

“We already have 1,000 people involved in this programme across UK industry and the supply chain, with young apprentices and graduates working alongside some of our most experienced engineers. This work will continue to act as a beacon, attracting the very best talent and experience to pass on to future generations of engineers needed for the UK to remain an industry leader in defence and aerospace capability."

Conrad Banks, Chief Engineer, Rolls-Royce Defence Future Programmes, said: “The aerodynamic testing has been invaluable in several ways. Not only has it validated complex digital techniques and models, but it has fostered highly collaborative working practices between the BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce teams. We have been delighted with the results and now move forward with confidence that together we can deliver on the next stage of the Flying Demonstrator development.”