BAE Systems has provided an update on its progress in developing the UK’s first flying combat air demonstrator in four decades.

According to a recent announcement on LinkedIn, BAE Systems Air stated, “We’re making good progress on the UK’s first flying combat air demonstrator in 40 years.”

This project forms a critical part of testing and proving advanced aerospace technologies that could potentially be integrated into the future Tempest fighter jet.

This ambitious programme, part of the UK’s Tempest project, is seen as a vital step towards developing a sixth-generation combat air system. BAE’s work on the demonstrator aims to test new capabilities that include advanced propulsion, aerodynamics, and stealth technologies.

The demonstrator is intended to fly within the next three years and will provide crucial insights into the technology needed for the Tempest programme.

The BAE Systems announcement highlighted the programme’s role in “testing and proving aerospace technologies that could be used on Tempest,” showcasing the project’s potential to influence future defence capabilities. This flying demonstrator will allow engineers to evaluate various technologies under real-world conditions, contributing to the development of a modern, adaptable combat aircraft.

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George has a degree in Cyber Security from Glasgow Caledonian University and has a keen interest in naval and cyber security matters and has appeared on national radio and television to discuss current events. George is on Twitter at @geoallison
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DRD
DRD (@guest_868201)
4 hours ago

Let’s hope we see something doing taxi runs soon.

Rob Young
Rob Young (@guest_868212)
3 hours ago

The sooner the better… the world is getting dangerous.

Discodave
Discodave (@guest_868239)
1 hour ago
Reply to  Rob Young

we also need to get ahead of the french and Germans for export orders so we can kill fcas

Rob Young
Rob Young (@guest_868242)
1 hour ago
Reply to  Discodave

It would be nice to regain our world position in some of these areas.

Robert Blay
Robert Blay (@guest_868240)
1 hour ago
Reply to  Rob Young

And we have Typhoon and F35 until Tempest. Two extremely capable platforms.

Rob Young
Rob Young (@guest_868245)
1 hour ago
Reply to  Robert Blay

Need more of both!

Dave Wolfy
Dave Wolfy (@guest_868241)
1 hour ago

What is the definition of “sixth gen”?

Rob Young
Rob Young (@guest_868244)
1 hour ago
Reply to  Dave Wolfy

Don’t think there is one yet!

Tony Hutchins
Tony Hutchins (@guest_868252)
38 minutes ago

It could still go the same way as the TSR2 or even Reaction Engines no money and government bottles it

NorthernAlly
NorthernAlly (@guest_868254)
26 minutes ago

Weren’t we also meant to be converting an old commercial jet to test new technologies as well?

ZuluLima
ZuluLima (@guest_868261)
23 seconds ago

So where’s the update? All I saw was a single sentence social media post with no content.