The platform under development is intended to replace the capabilities of the Eurofighter Typhoon. It will, however, complement the F-35 fleet.
In light of the looming end of service for the Eurofighter Typhoon, the British Ministry of Defense describes the requirements for future aircraft types. The requirements are set out in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) concept of operations and associated documents. There is talk here of an “integrated system of systems.” The core platform of this construct currently goes by the name of “Tempest”.
In addition to the requirements analysis, the Ministry of Defense is currently discussing how many of the new aircraft type will be needed to maintain air superiority. Both unmanned and manned aviation systems fall into this category.
The goal of FCAS is to match the capabilities currently provided by the Eurofighter Typhoon with the Tempest. However, the performance of the new aircraft type is expected to exceed that of its predecessor.
“Thanks to technological advances, Tempest is expected to provide an even greater range and depth of capabilities than the current platforms,” explains Minister of State for Defense Annabel Goldie. This, she said, is necessary to counter new threats. In addition, “Tempest” also has greater networked interoperability with unmanned aircraft and the F-35. Accordingly, the Tempest development is intended to compliment the F-35 fleet, not replace it.