New Tempest video NEW engine (Rolls Royce)

[Pakistan Space Agency]

This needed it's own thread, impressive developments regarding what will power the future 6th generation Tempest.

Is this a conceptual design or a final version?

 

[PakFactor]

So what makes it a "6th" generation? We know what defined a 5th gen aircraft and that was stealth or low observable features in the design, internal weapons bays, low IR signature as well as super cruise. So curious here what makes this Tempest, or what qualifies it to be a "6th" generation aircraft? What are the requirements to be met?

My guess would be the capability of the fighter to be both manned and unmanned depending on mission parameters. Ability for target acquisition, supported by stealth and sensors.

 

[Gomig-21]

My guess would be the capability of the fighter to be both manned and unmanned depending on mission parameters. Ability for target acquisition, supported by stealth and sensors.

I do remember opening a thread about this Tempest last year when it was first introduced and a mockup was unveiled and they did mention that one of the plans was for it to be able to function as a manned or unmanned aircraft and I remember thinking that would be quite the feature, especially if it was interchangeable within a single airframe and not just separate, dedicated ones. In other words, if they built it and it was operating in a battlefield environment and the pilot returned from mission and command decides that the next mission is too dangerous and only an unmanned version should be used, then they had the ability to change it into that within say 45 minutes tops, and send it on its way....now that would be impressive!

But having two different platforms would be like just having a UAV version on top of a fighter. Not so impressive IMO.

 

[waz]

Is this a conceptual design or a final version?

It's a version being developed now. It's gone past the design phase a while back.

 

[waz]

No doubt about that but you never know,Uncle Sam might interfere.

Hmmm. Our government is very partial to that, as they are close allies. It's a case of what not to join in and what to leave out. Turkey is seen as a strong partner in the Med, shared history of Cyprus etc. But anyway, for another thread as they say.

 

[PakFactor]

I do remember opening a thread about this Tempest last year when it was first introduced and a mockup was unveiled and they did mention that one of the plans was for it to be able to function as a manned or unmanned aircraft and I remember thinking that would be quite the feature, especially if it was interchangeable within a single airframe and not just separate, dedicated ones. In other words, if they built it and it was operating in a battlefield environment and the pilot returned from mission and command decides that the next mission is too dangerous and only an unmanned version should be used, then they had the ability to change it into that within say 45 minutes tops, and send it on its way....now that would be impressive!

But having two different platforms would be like just having a UAV version on top of a fighter. Not so impressive IMO.

Indeed, that’s what I’ve been reading into about next fighter development. If this does materialize it will be a game changer not just offensively but also defensively. Image pilotless CAPs 24/7 super computer analyzing data it’s fed from fighter, ground based sensors and ability to give options to command at a fraction of time that can change the course of war. Plug that in with satellite intelligence. Future wars would be decided in seconds.

 

[mike2000 is back]

We do have the means to build the most sophisticated weapon systems out there matched maybe only by the US. However , Britain's issue has always been the lack of political will by our political class to forge ahead irrespective of political machinations/change of leadership/ and ability to keep during tough times (financially). We have the know how/Expertise and experience but lack the political backbone to back it up.

 

[LeGenD]

We do have the means to build the most sophisticated weapon systems out there matched maybe only by the US. However , Britain's issue has always been the lack of political will by our political class to forge ahead irrespective of political machinations/change of leadership/ and ability to keep during tough times (financially). We have the know how/Expertise and experience but lack the political backbone to back it up.

British Public need to speak out more on this issue - a campaign of sorts.

If UK can develop an Aircraft Carrier which is a very complex undertaking, it can do so much more.

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

If UK wish to remain relevant in global affairs, then time to flex your muscles and chart your own course to glory. Put your remarkable talents to good use for the needful.

They should fund these guys next

 

[Nilgiri]

This needed it's own thread, impressive developments regarding what will power the future 6th generation Tempest.

Some reason I didn't get the tag, but I found the thread browsing just now. Good stuff!

 

[KAL-EL]

Didn’t get the tag either @Nilgiri

Interesting stuff.. Thanks for the tag @waz

 

[Gomig-21]

It's a version being developed now. It's gone past the design phase a while back.

You never answered the question, what makes this aircraft a 6th generation? I'd like to know why the Brits think this will be a 6th gen aircraft?

 

[PakFactor]

You never answered the question, what makes this aircraft a 6th generation? I'd like to know why the Brits think this will be a 6th gen aircraft?

I was thinking about this yesterday 6th Gen would also have a Comm capability with a wing man? Maybe the 6th Gen plane would be some what self aware.

 

[Gomig-21]

I was thinking about this yesterday 6th Gen would also have a Comm capability with a wing man? Maybe the 6th Gen plane would be some what self aware.

Yeah, we talked a little yesterday and you mentioned the unmanned concept which I bet is definitely part of it as well as possibly a highly advanced AI concept that might make some of the aircraft's function automatic by making it somewhat "self aware"? Self flying? Autonomous? Is that too much for this round? That's why I was pushing the OP since he's British and opened the thread, figured he would know, but maybe not.

 

[Ali_Baba]

6th Gen is about systems of systems, with a different higher order of sensor fusion(take the F35 level up one notch), energy directed weapons(lasers, and other high intensity beams) and autonomous automation of operations(wingman drones), higher sustained cruise speeds, modulator construction with an agile driven approach to design and delivery.. take weapons integrations from years to months, or weeks by making the platform more of a software platform, etc...

The term is a marketing term, but it singifies an uptick in performance from the F35, which is the current benchmark on some of these systems.