UK’s combat air flying demonstrator revealed

Above: CGI image of the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator over the River Blackwater in Essex, UK.
Courtesy BAE Systems

The piloted supersonic aircraft is the first of its kind to be developed in the UK in 40 years. The aircraft’s main structure, wings and tail fins are all taking shape using pioneering robotic and digital manufacturing and assembly technologies at BAE Systems’ sites in Lancashire, signifying the advanced stages of its development. 

Designed to test a wide range of new technologies, including the integration of stealth compatible features, the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is a crucial part of the work to develop manufacturing processes and de-risk the next generation combat aircraft that will be delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme with the UK, Italy and Japan.

Tony Godbold, Future Combat Air Systems Delivery Director, BAE Systems, said: "This significant and challenging project will deliver the UK’s first crewed combat demonstrator aircraft in four decades. The programme is accelerating the development of advanced design approaches and manufacturing techniques, helping to sharpen the UK’s industrial edge and deliver benefits beyond the production of the aircraft.

"As well as developing a unique aircraft, we’re building the technical foundations, workforce readiness and digital maturity essential to deliver the next generation of combat air capability."

Richard Berthon, Director Future Combat Air, UK Ministry of Defence, said: "I am delighted that today, BAE Systems and the Ministry of Defence, can share this important update on the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator. For the first time, people can see how this cutting-edge demonstrator aircraft will look when it takes to the skies. Manufacturing of the aircraft continues at pace, which is testament to the ingenuity and collaboration of Government and industry teams.

"The Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is providing invaluable lessons on future combat air delivery and equipping our people with the skills they will need to deliver GCAP."

By applying advanced new solutions and digital manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, cobotics, digital twins, model-based systems engineering and virtual simulation, BAE Systems engineers are at the forefront of the revolution in aircraft design and manufacture. 

Test pilots from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have now flown more than 300 hours of the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator in a bespoke simulator. Using simulated flight trials, pilots and engineers can rapidly assess the flight control systems during more complex flight manoeuvres, capturing crucial data about how the jet will handle and perform, years before its first flight.

Collectively, this important work aims to dramatically reduce the time and costs involved in producing military jets, while maintaining the sovereign design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities needed to keep the UK at the forefront of global aerospace innovation.