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Augmented and virtual reality displays for pilots are also being developed as part of the project to build the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) next generation ‘combat air system’. The technology is being delivered by Team Tempest, a UK partnership formed by BAE Systems, Leonardo, MBDA, Rolls-Royce and the RAF, and involving hundreds of other high-tech companies and academia across the UK.
The project aims to deliver the aircraft and associated technology into service by the mid-2030s.
Experts from the electronics leader, Leonardo UK, are developing the new radar technology capable of providing over 10,000 times more data than existing systems. The sensor, called the ‘Multi-Function Radio Frequency System’ (MFRFS), will collect and process huge amounts of data on the battlespace. Processed on-board, the information could give Tempest a battle-winning edge in combat situations, with the ability to locate and target enemies well before pilots are targeted themselves.
The MFRFS will provide a wide range of abilities beyond traditional radar, with all-digital technology reportedly providing an exceptionally clear view of the battlespace and potential targets. Leonardo has built complete sub-systems using the new technology and successfully tested them at the company’s site in Edinburgh. Airborne demonstrations are planned in the coming years.
Engineers at BAE Systems have begun flight testing concepts for Tempest’s ‘wearable cockpit’ technologies, designed to provide pilots in the cockpit or operators on the ground with split-second advantage. The concept sees physical controls seen in current aircraft cockpits replaced with augmented and virtual reality displays projected directly inside the visor of a helmet, which can be instantly configured to suit any mission. Concepts including human-autonomy teams are also being developed, where a ‘virtual co-pilot’ could take on some of the pilot’s responsibilities. The virtual co-pilot could even take the form of an avatar appearing in the cockpit and interacting with the pilot.
MBDA UK is working with the wearable cockpit team to ensure early introduction of weapons concepts into the technology.
Rolls-Royce engineers are developing advanced combustion system technology as part of the company’s power and propulsion work. A next-generation system will need to be hotter than any previous platform, increasing the efficiency of the engine and meaning it can go further, faster, or produce less carbon dioxide. The firm has been exploring advanced composite materials and additive manufacturing as part of this work, to produce lightweight, more power-dense components capable of operating at higher temperatures.
“The collaborative relationship between Team Tempest and our network of academic and SME partners enables us to bring together the ‘best of the best’ engineering talent from across the UK,” said Iain Bancroft, director of major air programmes at Leonardo in the UK.
“Crucially, we are embracing new ways of working as an integrated team to dramatically improve efficiency and pace – sharing intelligence and refining our concepts digitally, to deliver innovations that will shape the next generation combat air system. Our new radar technology is a concrete example of the gains this approach has already brought, costing 25% less to develop while providing over 10,000 times more data than existing systems.”
Seven companies joined the project to work on concepts and technologies in July: Bombardier Belfast, Collins Aerospace in the UK, GE Aviation UK, GKN Aerospace, Martin-Baker, QinetiQ and Thales UK.
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