As part of the development of future British fighter jets, The Tempest has launched an initiative focused on recycling parts and optimizing strategic resources from the retired Panavian tornado strike fighter. Through this programme, decommissioned aircraft components have been processed and reused in the construction of new combat aviation systems, contributing to cost reductions and increased independence in key materials for the UK’s defense industry.
In a critical test, we used the tornado engine compressor blades to manufacture nose cones and compressor blades for the new Orpheus engine. This is an experimental Rolls-Royce design that is part of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program. After being installed on the test engine, the recycled cone has successfully performed all safety and performance checks, demonstrating that the process can be applied to Tempest development.
In this regard, Defense Minister Maria Eagle said: “Working with key industry partners will help us save costs, reduce our dependence on the global supply chain, and ensure our military has the best equipment.”
Tempest is developed by the Team Tempest consortium, including the UK Department of Defense, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo and MBDA UK. The aircraft is expected to gradually replace Eurofighter types from 2035 and integrate advanced technology into sensors, propulsion and weapons systems. A key feature is stealth design. This benefits from the manufacturing of additives, allowing for less moving parts, lighter and more durable construction, aerodynamic optimization, and reduced radar signatures.
Promoting advancements were also a major focus of the program. Rolls-Royce engineers do not compromise performance, but before entering the engine, they can be used to operate from supersonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to subsonic to The air intake duct was successfully tested. This design enhances the Tempest stealth by minimizing exposed surfaces, as it contains fewer moving parts than traditional fighter jets.
Meanwhile, the demonstration aircraft and their systems continue to progress steadily. According to BAE Systems, more than half of the structures, including fuselages and wings, have already been built using advanced composite materials, contributing to reduced weight and increased operational efficiency.
Tempest stands out for its high-level digital integration, including artificial intelligence and machine learning software, which can process real-time data to optimize weapon deployment. This ability, combined with the sustainability of material recycling, positions Tempest as a qualitative leap in the manufacturing process of future sixth generation fighter jets.
Images used for illustrative purposes only.
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