New 6th‑gen fighter jet unveiled at Farnborough Airshow
The United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, the countries participating in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), unveiled the latest conceptual model of the 6th generation combat aircraft during the Farnborough International Airshow. This model is distinguished from its predecessors by its more advanced construction and greater wingspan, which enhance its aerodynamics. What is known about the GCAP project?
The governments of the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan and their primary industry partners—UK-based BAE Systems, Italy's Leonardo, and Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries—have been collaborating since December 2022 as part of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The programme aims to develop a 6th generation combat aircraft, and its latest conceptual model was unveiled during the Farnborough International Airshow in England.
The new 6th generation GCAP aircraft concept
"In the 18 months since the launch of the Global Combat Air Programme, we’ve been working closely with our industrial partners in Italy and Japan under the collaboration agreement, and also with the three governments, to understand and align requirements for a next generation combat aircraft," stated Herman Claesen, Managing Director of Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems.
The 6th generation combat aircraft, set to enter service in 2035, promises to be one of the most advanced, interoperable, flexible, and connected fighter jets. It will feature an intelligent weapon system, an interactive cockpit controlled by software, integrated sensors, and a powerful new-generation radar that can provide 10,000 times more data than current systems, giving it an edge in combat.
The latest conceptual model has a more advanced construction and a greater wingspan, influencing aerodynamics. This highlights the differences between the aircraft being developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the NGAD programme (Next Generation Air Dominance), which aims to build the successor to the American F-22 fighter jet.
The United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan aim to develop a slightly larger 6th generation combat aircraft than the one being created by the Americans. It is expected to have a greater range and most likely possess two engines related to the countries' locations and the requirements for combat over the sea.
