As part of the development of the United Kingdom’s future combat aircraft, the Tempest, an initiative focused on recycling parts and optimizing strategic resources from retired PANAVIA Tornado strike fighters has been launched. Through this program, components from decommissioned aircraft are being processed and reused in the construction of the new combat air system, contributing to cost reduction and increasing the British defense industry’s independence in critical materials.
In a key test, compressor blades from a Tornado engine were used to manufacture a nose cone and compressor blades for the new Orpheus engine, an experimental Rolls-Royce design that is part of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. After being installed in a test engine, the recycled cone successfully passed all safety and performance checks, demonstrating that the process can be applied to the development of the Tempest.
In this regard, Defense Minister Maria Eagle stated: “By working with key industry partners, we can save costs, reduce dependence on global supply chains, and ensure our Armed Forces have the best equipment.”
The Tempest is being developed by the Team Tempest consortium, which includes the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, and MBDA UK. The aircraft is expected to gradually replace the Eurofighter Typhoon starting in 2035, integrating advanced technology in sensors, propulsion, and weapons systems. A key feature is its stealth design, which will benefit from additive manufacturing, allowing for lighter, more durable structures with fewer moving parts, optimizing aerodynamics and reducing radar signature.
Advancements in propulsion have also been a major focus of the program. Rolls-Royce engineers have successfully tested an air intake duct designed to slow airflow from supersonic to subsonic speeds before entering the engine, without compromising performance. This design, with fewer moving parts than traditional fighters, enhances the Tempest’s stealth by minimizing exposed surfaces.
Meanwhile, the demonstrator aircraft and its systems continue to progress steadily. According to BAE Systems, more than half of the structure, including the fuselage and wings, has already been built using advanced composite materials, contributing to lower weight and greater operational efficiency.
The Tempest stands out for its high level of digital integration, including artificial intelligence and machine learning software capable of processing real-time data to optimize weapons deployment. This capability, combined with the sustainability of material recycling, positions the Tempest as a qualitative leap in the manufacturing process of future sixth-generation fighters.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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