Every Bulletin story and press release covering Rolls-Royce plc Defence Aerospace, newest first.
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Autonomous systems are being developed to support Apache crews with reconnaissance and electronic warfare missions without direct pilot control.
The Tornado 2 Tempest project has successfully converted surplus military components into powdered metal for additive manufacturing in the UK’s Future Combat Air System.
Hardware is being manufactured for a full-scale ground-based high-Mach thermomechanical test, while sub-scale aerodynamic wind-tunnel testing is already being undertaken to assess intake performance.
The programme will build on progress already made by BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce and the UK Ministry of Defence as Team Tempest, as well as MHI's proposed future fighter aircraft (F-X).
Work on the joint engine demonstrator will kickstart early next year, with the UK investing an initial £30 million in planning, digital designs and innovative manufacturing developments.
GKN Aerospace's Global Technology Centre will focus on sustainable aviation research and development. At full capacity the collaboration centre will host 300 engineers.
Using Rolls-Royce Defence's family of small propulsion systems will provide power for a pre-production prototype, as well as establishing a digital design pathway.
Tempest will pioneer cutting-edge technologies, including those assisted by AI, machine learning and autonomous systems to meet the challenges of future conflicts, and be operational in the mid-2030s.
Rolls-Royce has already tested the AE2100 engine element, specialist controls and thermal management system at Testbed 108. Now the PGS1 hybrid-electric system will come under scrutiny there.