December 12, 2022
Credit, Getty Images
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A model of the fighter introduced in July 2022
The UK, Japan and Italy are working together to develop a new fighter jet that uses artificial intelligence and features technologies far more advanced than the current generation of British fighter jets. The collaboration was announced by British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak last week. He said the partnership “will protect the country from the new threats we face.”
“We are one of the few countries in the world that has the capacity to build technologically advanced combat aircraft,” Sunak said during a visit to the Royal Air Force (RAF, the British Air Force).
The nations will work together to develop the nextgeneration fighter jet, Tempest, which is expected to enter service in the mid2030s and is intended to replace the Typhoon fighter jet currently in service in the UK.
The development work is already underway. The goal is to create a fighter aircraft that offers speed, is discreet, uses advanced sensors and even artificial intelligence to assist the human pilot when overloaded or under extreme stress.
The fighter will also be able to fly on autopilot and fire hypersonic missiles if necessary.
Developing such a complex aircraft is extremely expensive building the F35 jet was the most expensive project ever undertaken by the Pentagon in the United States so the UK is looking for partners.
Italy was already on board the project. The addition of Japan is a step forward at a time when Britain is solidifying ties with allies in the IndoPacific region over concerns about a more aggressive China.
Other countries can still join the program. France, Germany and Spain are already collaborating on their own project as is the United States.
Companies such as Britain’s BAE Systems, Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Italy’s Leonardo will be involved in developing the Tempest. Mitsubishi’s FX fighter project has a lot in common with the Tempest.
Credit, PA Media
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Concept art shows what the fighter would look like
A fighter that “reads the mind of the pilot”
One of the most anticipated features of the new fighter plane is an artificial intelligence (AI) tool that will assist the pilot and will be able to “read your mind”.
Sensors in the pilot’s helmet monitor brain signals and other medical data. Thus, on consecutive flights, the AI will accumulate a huge database of biometric and psychometric information.
This library of unique pilot traits means the onboard AI can step in and help when sensors indicate it needs assistance. For example, AI can take over when the pilot loses consciousness due to high gravitational forces.
The company BAE Systems said that by 2027 a demonstration jet will be ready at its UK factory and some of these technologies can be tested.
The Tempest fighters will be the debut of a number of different new digital technologies among 60 different ongoing projects.
The image of the Tempest aircraft has changed since the first photos were released in 2018. Among other things, its weight has been reduced and its contour slimmed down.
When it eventually becomes operational, the Tempest will likely be accompanied by unmanned combat drones, known as “helpers.”
Such advances require building entirely new monitoring and control systems from the ground up.
“We have to deal with the pace of technological change,” says John Stocker, director of business development for the consortium responsible for Tempest.
“In the past, defense spending has often driven progress, and commercial technology later caught up. Today, commercial technology is often more advanced.”
Stocker envisions building the new fighter jet with systems that can be updated as easily as downloading an app onto a smartphone.
In the meantime, a large part of the production of the jet is automated. Robots on the production line exchange data with suppliers so parts can be shipped quickly.
The cooperation between BAE Systems, Leonardo and Mitsubishi is a first for European aerospace companies and was only possible thanks to technology. Greater cooperation with Japan has become possible because projects are carried out in a digital environment.
“In a digital environment, you can do these things a lot faster, it’s a lot easier to collaborate. We don’t carry folders between Tokyo and Warton (UK),” jokes Stocker.
A team of interpreters and staff fluent in English and Japanese liaises with Mitsubishi’s FX fight team.
Credit, Portal
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The first images of the project in 2018 showed a different look
John Healey, the opposition Labor Party’s defense secretary, said his party supported the partnership but issued a warning.
“Ministers need to make clear how this fits into broader plans for the future of the RAF, including how they intend to avoid delays in jet pilot training,” he said.