BAE and Rolls-Royce test ejector seat and engine for Europe's first sixth-generation Tempest fighter

The UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo UK, MBDA and a number of smaller companies are working on the development of the sixth generation Tempest fighter. The work is being carried out as part of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).

Here's What We Know

BAE Systems has conducted catapult-seat tests, while Rolls-Royce experts are working on aerodynamic tests of the propulsion system. The air intake will have fewer moving parts to increase the fighter's stealth.

At the same time, pilots of the Royal British Air Force are undergoing training on a specially designed simulator. They have already been able to fly for over 150 hours.

The sixth-generation aircraft will receive new software for safety-critical systems. It will also be equipped with a state-of-the-art radar capable of handling data streams comparable to the Internet traffic of a small city.

Tempest will be Europe's first sixth-generation fighter. It will be available in the middle of next year. The Chinese and American sixth-generation fighters should be ready at the same time.

But the second European next-generation aircraft will be delayed for several years. This is the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme, in which France, Germany and Spain are participating.

Source: BAE Systems