MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Tempest combat aircraft for the defense of UK and Falklands' airspace

The RAF Typhoon, a multi-role combat aircraft is the mainstay of the UK Military's Quick Reaction Alert provision for UK and Falkland Islands airspace.

British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has delivered an update on the £1.9bn project to replace the Royal Air Force's Eurofighter Typhoon jet. The RAF Typhoon, a multi-role combat aircraft is the mainstay of the UK Military's Quick Reaction Alert provision for UK and Falkland Islands airspace.

The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is a £1.9bn project working to develop the next generation combat aircraft, known as Tempest, which will replace the Typhoon.

Launched in 2018, Team Tempest is a group of industry partners working in collaboration with the Minsitry of Defense (MoD) on the FCAS project.

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace confirmed that seven new companies have signed agreements to collaborate on Team Tempest at the virtual 2020 Farnborough International Airshow.

An MoD spokesperson said: “These pioneering companies will bring new innovations and designs, enabling Team Tempest to carry on developing ground-breaking concepts and technologies that will guarantee combat dominance in the air.

”The alliance is quickly gaining recognition for its work and notched up a world first within two years of launching by designing a generator that delivers unprecedented levels of electrical power.“

Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said: ”Just two years after Team Tempest was created they delivered a world first. It’s no surprise; when you attract the very best of British engineering and design, technological leaps like these are guaranteed.

“That’s why I’m delighted seven more companies have joined this mission to work in collaboration with the MoD, under the Team Tempest banner. They will bring the ambition, invention and expertise that will deliver the breakthroughs we will depend on for decades to come.

”These pioneers will strengthen our ability to develop a next generation aircraft and allow us to continue making vital contributions to UK, European and global security.

The companies who have signed a partnership are: GEUK, GKN, Collins Aerospace, Martin Baker, QinetiQ, Bombardier and Thales UK, along with UK universities and SMEs.

An MoD spokesperson said: “Since its creation in 2018, Team Tempest has already employed more than 1,800 highly skilled engineers and programmers.

”Set to increase to 2,500 by next year, the program is securing the UK’s position as a global leader in combat air.

“The new members of Team Tempest will join forces on established projects and development work with core members BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce and the

Ministry of Defense, bringing the best of British expertise and ingenuity on designing, manufacturing and operating combat air systems.”