Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Contains threads on Royal Air Force equipment of the past, present and future.
SW1
Senior Member
Posts: 5657
Joined: 27 Aug 2018, 19:12
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by SW1 »

Certification expertise maybe a place to start. Japan has had several goes and couldn’t design and certify a regional jet.
These users liked the author SW1 for the post:
Jensy

User avatar
Jensy
Senior Member
Posts: 1061
Joined: 05 Aug 2016, 19:44
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by Jensy »

SW1 wrote: 27 Jan 2023, 13:53 Certification expertise maybe a place to start. Japan has had several goes and couldn’t design and certify a regional jet.
Even with more than a little 'help' from the ex-Bombardier crew...
These users liked the author Jensy for the post:
SW1

Meriv9
Member
Posts: 185
Joined: 05 Feb 2016, 00:19
Italy

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by Meriv9 »

The Japanese did the same with us. It started bilateral with UK then bilaterals with Italy then it joined GCAP, signing with Sweden looks like just the next step. Let's remember it's first time Japan is taking part in a program like this, probably this is their modus operandi?

TheLoneRanger
Member
Posts: 331
Joined: 01 Jul 2020, 19:15
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by TheLoneRanger »

It is possible that Sweden will help develop technologies, tools as part of "Japan's" workshare allocation of the Tempest programme, hence the bilateral deal whereas the UK and Italy will want their shares for their own industrial capability or they feel Saab does not bring anything to the table that they cannot do themselves - so why share the pot? Japan may feel lacking in areas, where Saab can help ?

Not sure this 3 way becomes a 4 way - i think the 3 main players will remain - but Japan will leverage other partners to keep "its end of the bargin up". Might explain the recent move from the UK to Japan.

User avatar
mrclark303
Donator
Posts: 813
Joined: 06 May 2015, 10:47
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by mrclark303 »

TheLoneRanger wrote: 28 Jan 2023, 12:20 It is possible that Sweden will help develop technologies, tools as part of "Japan's" workshare allocation of the Tempest programme, hence the bilateral deal whereas the UK and Italy will want their shares for their own industrial capability or they feel Saab does not bring anything to the table that they cannot do themselves - so why share the pot? Japan may feel lacking in areas, where Saab can help ?

Not sure this 3 way becomes a 4 way - i think the 3 main players will remain - but Japan will leverage other partners to keep "its end of the bargin up". Might explain the recent move from the UK to Japan.
That's quite possible, though I think the partners will want an extensive contract covering all eventualities, i.e,the technology utilised and ensuring no-one can potentially put a future spoke in the works regarding exports.

This is always the danger when third parties are involved.

The French might learn that lesson to their cost with their Franco German, Spanish effort.

Ron5
Donator
Posts: 7249
Joined: 05 May 2015, 21:42
United States of America

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by Ron5 »

Exports haven't been a problem for Typhoon.

User avatar
mrclark303
Donator
Posts: 813
Joined: 06 May 2015, 10:47
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by mrclark303 »

Ron5 wrote: 01 Feb 2023, 14:00 Exports haven't been a problem for Typhoon.
Well Ron, if the UK wanted to donate it's tranche one Typhoons to Ukraine, have a guess what Germany would do.

SW1
Senior Member
Posts: 5657
Joined: 27 Aug 2018, 19:12
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by SW1 »

mrclark303 wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 08:30
Ron5 wrote: 01 Feb 2023, 14:00 Exports haven't been a problem for Typhoon.
Well Ron, if the UK wanted to donate it's tranche one Typhoons to Ukraine, have a guess what Germany would do.
Nothing
These users liked the author SW1 for the post:
Ron5

User avatar
mrclark303
Donator
Posts: 813
Joined: 06 May 2015, 10:47
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by mrclark303 »

mrclark303 wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 08:30
Ron5 wrote: 01 Feb 2023, 14:00 Exports haven't been a problem for Typhoon.
Well Ron, if the UK wanted to donate it's tranche one Typhoons to Ukraine, have a guess what Germany would do.
On a wider note, the UK has previously stopped defence equipment being sold to Argentina with UK content, the US controls export sales in the same way.

As the partner contract begins to form, it's vital we ensure that any potential contractual landmines are identified and avoided.

I.e, no US content and all contractor Nations part of the primary contact.

Bring SAAB and by extension Sweden, fully into the fold.

User avatar
mrclark303
Donator
Posts: 813
Joined: 06 May 2015, 10:47
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by mrclark303 »

SW1 wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 08:34
mrclark303 wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 08:30
Ron5 wrote: 01 Feb 2023, 14:00 Exports haven't been a problem for Typhoon.
Well Ron, if the UK wanted to donate it's tranche one Typhoons to Ukraine, have a guess what Germany would do.
Nothing
Ah yes, just like Leopard 2, it was only the huge and sustained international pressure and embarrassment by our CH2 donation, that made the ( I'll cheer on from the side lines) Germans, 'very reluctantly' allow export.

SW1
Senior Member
Posts: 5657
Joined: 27 Aug 2018, 19:12
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by SW1 »

mrclark303 wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 08:43
SW1 wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 08:34
mrclark303 wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 08:30
Ron5 wrote: 01 Feb 2023, 14:00 Exports haven't been a problem for Typhoon.
Well Ron, if the UK wanted to donate it's tranche one Typhoons to Ukraine, have a guess what Germany would do.
Nothing
Ah yes, just like Leopard 2, it was only the huge and sustained international pressure and embarrassment by our CH2 donation, that made the ( I'll cheer on from the side lines) Germans, 'very reluctantly' allow export.
Complete different contract set up and a complete different ownership of IP to leopards.

I would be more worried about ITAR restrictions than the Germans.
These users liked the author SW1 for the post (total 3):
Ron5jedibeeftrixserge750

Caribbean
Senior Member
Posts: 2784
Joined: 09 Jan 2016, 19:08
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by Caribbean »

mrclark303 wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 08:40 On a wider note, the UK has previously stopped defence equipment being sold to Argentina with UK content, the US controls export sales in the same way.
The clear difference between the two situations being that the UK barred sales to a country that initiated an illegal War of Aggression against the UK, whereas Germany is barring allies from transferring equipment to a third country that is itself the victim of an illegal War of Aggression. Rather different situations. Barring sales to the perpetrator is somewhat different to barring sales to a victim
These users liked the author Caribbean for the post (total 5):
Ron5jedibeeftrixbobpmrclark303wargame_insomniac
The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.
Winston Churchill

Meriv9
Member
Posts: 185
Joined: 05 Feb 2016, 00:19
Italy

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by Meriv9 »

These users liked the author Meriv9 for the post (total 3):
jedibeeftrixRon5mrclark303

inch
Senior Member
Posts: 1311
Joined: 27 May 2015, 21:35

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by inch »

Could be Sweden edging closer to actually joining GCAP program and also actually getting the finished fighter, think they must realise it's going to be a powerful aircraft, personally I would like to see Poland buying the aircraft,they have a very close relationship to UK mindset and going forwards a large military,I think they will shy away from German products even if France involved,and if could build GCAP parts in Poland and if Sweden joined as well could see real benefis in future,yes I know they getting f35 ,but don't discount Poland
These users liked the author inch for the post (total 2):
jedibeeftrixmrclark303

User avatar
mrclark303
Donator
Posts: 813
Joined: 06 May 2015, 10:47
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by mrclark303 »

Caribbean wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 10:37
mrclark303 wrote: 02 Feb 2023, 08:40 On a wider note, the UK has previously stopped defence equipment being sold to Argentina with UK content, the US controls export sales in the same way.
The clear difference between the two situations being that the UK barred sales to a country that initiated an illegal War of Aggression against the UK, whereas Germany is barring allies from transferring equipment to a third country that is itself the victim of an illegal War of Aggression. Rather different situations. Barring sales to the perpetrator is somewhat different to barring sales to a victim
Fair comment....

User avatar
mrclark303
Donator
Posts: 813
Joined: 06 May 2015, 10:47
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by mrclark303 »

inch wrote: 03 Feb 2023, 13:17 Could be Sweden edging closer to actually joining GCAP program and also actually getting the finished fighter, think they must realise it's going to be a powerful aircraft, personally I would like to see Poland buying the aircraft,they have a very close relationship to UK mindset and going forwards a large military,I think they will shy away from German products even if France involved,and if could build GCAP parts in Poland and if Sweden joined as well could see real benefis in future,yes I know they getting f35 ,but don't discount Poland
Until it becomes an actual 'thing' as far as a corporate body is established and the counties contractually signed up, I would expect potential export customers to keep their council and observe with interest.

Certainly block 4 plus F35 will be it's main competition.

If ( as rumoured) LM want to knock both the B and C models on the head by 2030, simplifying the programme and really double down on ramping up production of an advanced A model, then Tempest will have a stiff and ( possibly) a much cheaper American competitor.

Tempest has to be a much more capable aircraft than an advanced F35, to successfully compete on the international market.

SW1
Senior Member
Posts: 5657
Joined: 27 Aug 2018, 19:12
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by SW1 »

mrclark303 wrote: 04 Feb 2023, 14:38
inch wrote: 03 Feb 2023, 13:17 Could be Sweden edging closer to actually joining GCAP program and also actually getting the finished fighter, think they must realise it's going to be a powerful aircraft, personally I would like to see Poland buying the aircraft,they have a very close relationship to UK mindset and going forwards a large military,I think they will shy away from German products even if France involved,and if could build GCAP parts in Poland and if Sweden joined as well could see real benefis in future,yes I know they getting f35 ,but don't discount Poland
Until it becomes an actual 'thing' as far as a corporate body is established and the counties contractually signed up, I would expect potential export customers to keep their council and observe with interest.

Certainly block 4 plus F35 will be it's main competition.

If ( as rumoured) LM want to knock both the B and C models on the head by 2030, simplifying the programme and really double down on ramping up production of an advanced A model, then Tempest will have a stiff and ( possibly) a much cheaper American competitor.

Tempest has to be a much more capable aircraft than an advanced F35, to successfully compete on the international market.
No it doesn’t. It has to be ITAR free and offer freedom to do with as you please to the purchaser.
These users liked the author SW1 for the post:
matt00773

Timmymagic
Donator
Posts: 3224
Joined: 07 May 2015, 23:57
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by Timmymagic »

Ron5 wrote: 01 Feb 2023, 14:00 Exports haven't been a problem for Typhoon.
Germany has caused a lot of problems in relation to the latest batch of Typhoon to Saudi Arabia.

Timmymagic
Donator
Posts: 3224
Joined: 07 May 2015, 23:57
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by Timmymagic »

inch wrote: 03 Feb 2023, 13:17 Could be Sweden edging closer to actually joining GCAP program and also actually getting the finished fighter, think they must realise it's going to be a powerful aircraft, personally I would like to see Poland buying the aircraft,they have a very close relationship to UK mindset and going forwards a large military,I think they will shy away from German products even if France involved,and if could build GCAP parts in Poland and if Sweden joined as well could see real benefis in future,yes I know they getting f35 ,but don't discount Poland
At some point F-16 will become uncompetitive so the Poles will have to replace. The US never fully followed through on the industrial offsets promised there either....F-35 was a shoo in as they needed an advanced capability. But....they would probably opt for more F-35 and F/A-50 mix in practice.

Spitfire9
Member
Posts: 178
Joined: 21 Dec 2022, 22:05
Norway

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by Spitfire9 »

I think that the best chance for GCAP to be successful (customers placing large orders) involves roping in countries with a need to place large orders for such an aircraft. Japan, UK, Italy may order 300-500 between them, subject to cost. What other countries with aerospace industries and a future need for very advanced aircraft could be tempted to join the programme (a) to increase production numbers (b) offering lower production costs than Japanese, British, Italian production costs?

I would like GCAP to give itself the best chance of being ordered in numbers by avoiding exceedingly high costs as per Eurofighter. In the last 20 years where countries invited tenders for fighters from LM, Boeing, Dassault, SAAB and Eurofighter, the only manufacturer to fail to secure a single order was Eurofighter IIRC. Let's not repeat the process with GCAP.
These users liked the author Spitfire9 for the post:
Ron5

SW1
Senior Member
Posts: 5657
Joined: 27 Aug 2018, 19:12
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by SW1 »

Spitfire9 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 11:02 I think that the best chance for GCAP to be successful (customers placing large orders) involves roping in countries with a need to place large orders for such an aircraft. Japan, UK, Italy may order 300-500 between them, subject to cost. What other countries with aerospace industries and a future need for very advanced aircraft could be tempted to join the programme (a) to increase production numbers (b) offering lower production costs than Japanese, British, Italian production costs?

I would like GCAP to give itself the best chance of being ordered in numbers by avoiding exceedingly high costs as per Eurofighter. In the last 20 years where countries invited tenders for fighters from LM, Boeing, Dassault, SAAB and Eurofighter, the only manufacturer to fail to secure a single order was Eurofighter IIRC. Let's not repeat the process with GCAP.
There is 9 countries operating eurofighter and around 600 manufactured so far, sound pretty good to me for a non US operated aircraft.

User avatar
mrclark303
Donator
Posts: 813
Joined: 06 May 2015, 10:47
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by mrclark303 »

SW1 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 11:21
Spitfire9 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 11:02 I think that the best chance for GCAP to be successful (customers placing large orders) involves roping in countries with a need to place large orders for such an aircraft. Japan, UK, Italy may order 300-500 between them, subject to cost. What other countries with aerospace industries and a future need for very advanced aircraft could be tempted to join the programme (a) to increase production numbers (b) offering lower production costs than Japanese, British, Italian production costs?

I would like GCAP to give itself the best chance of being ordered in numbers by avoiding exceedingly high costs as per Eurofighter. In the last 20 years where countries invited tenders for fighters from LM, Boeing, Dassault, SAAB and Eurofighter, the only manufacturer to fail to secure a single order was Eurofighter IIRC. Let's not repeat the process with GCAP.
There is 9 countries operating eurofighter and around 600 manufactured so far, sound pretty good to me for a non US operated aircraft.
It's not bad, but Thypoon could have done better....

The endless procrastinating regarding AESA and the slow as molasses development path seriously damaged prospects.

The German developed Leading edge extensions that apparently dramatically improved slow high AOA manuvering went unimplemented, apparently because it required a tweak to the FCS and the partners couldn't reach agreement.

Thypoon could have sold upwards of 800/900 had a sense of urgency been shown by the consortium.

As it is, nearly 20 years on from it's entry into service, the RAF is still yet to operate a single AESA equipped Typhoon.

To add to this, we have ended up with fleets within fleets, with a very small overall fleet!

The very thing Typhoon was supposed to dispense with as we upgraded to a single capable multi role fleet.

It's all rather poor to be honest and the aircraft ( or a handful anyway) will only likely reach its full potential in its twilight service years.

Hopefully Tempest will dispense with the dithering development and political aspects and seamlessly deliver a capable machine with regular upgrades across a single spec future fleet..... Hopefully!
These users liked the author mrclark303 for the post (total 2):
TheLoneRangerSpitfire9

Spitfire9
Member
Posts: 178
Joined: 21 Dec 2022, 22:05
Norway

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by Spitfire9 »

SW1 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 11:21
Spitfire9 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 11:02 I think that the best chance for GCAP to be successful (customers placing large orders) involves roping in countries with a need to place large orders for such an aircraft. Japan, UK, Italy may order 300-500 between them, subject to cost. What other countries with aerospace industries and a future need for very advanced aircraft could be tempted to join the programme (a) to increase production numbers (b) offering lower production costs than Japanese, British, Italian production costs?

I would like GCAP to give itself the best chance of being ordered in numbers by avoiding exceedingly high costs as per Eurofighter. In the last 20 years where countries invited tenders for fighters from LM, Boeing, Dassault, SAAB and Eurofighter, the only manufacturer to fail to secure a single order was Eurofighter IIRC. Let's not repeat the process with GCAP.
There is 9 countries operating eurofighter and around 600 manufactured so far, sound pretty good to me for a non US operated aircraft.
Yes but that does not make it competitive. If you want a product to sell loads in a free market, you do your best to make it competitive. Supplying customers who mostly have a history of buying from you for political reasons is not the same as your product winning orders away from the competition due to its merits.

I don't want to see a repetition of F-22 or B-2 happen here in the UK. They became so expensive that the US decided its flagship products were unaffordable and curtailed its orders. Japan may be prepared to pay an extremely high price for a very advanced fighter (due to China threat) but I am not convinced UK govt will be prepared to do that if costs spiral. In any event GCAP has not progressed to the point where it is actually going ahead. UK may baulk at the cost and buy F-35 instead. IMO the best chance of avoiding that is to make projected GCAP production efficient.

I see another danger on the horizon: 5G projects like Turkey's TF-X and India's AMCA may end up offering 5G+ capabilities at a fraction of the price of 6G GCAP. If GCAP becomes too expensive, some of our traditional export customers may opt to buy TF-X, for example, to replace their Eurofighters. I think that UK may have a fight on its hands to maintain orders from its ME customers due to the advent of a Muslim 5G manufacturer.
These users liked the author Spitfire9 for the post (total 3):
mrclark303Ron5wargame_insomniac

User avatar
mrclark303
Donator
Posts: 813
Joined: 06 May 2015, 10:47
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by mrclark303 »

Spitfire9 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 12:41
SW1 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 11:21
Spitfire9 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 11:02 I think that the best chance for GCAP to be successful (customers placing large orders) involves roping in countries with a need to place large orders for such an aircraft. Japan, UK, Italy may order 300-500 between them, subject to cost. What other countries with aerospace industries and a future need for very advanced aircraft could be tempted to join the programme (a) to increase production numbers (b) offering lower production costs than Japanese, British, Italian production costs?

I would like GCAP to give itself the best chance of being ordered in numbers by avoiding exceedingly high costs as per Eurofighter. In the last 20 years where countries invited tenders for fighters from LM, Boeing, Dassault, SAAB and Eurofighter, the only manufacturer to fail to secure a single order was Eurofighter IIRC. Let's not repeat the process with GCAP.
There is 9 countries operating eurofighter and around 600 manufactured so far, sound pretty good to me for a non US operated aircraft.
Yes but that does not make it competitive. If you want a product to sell loads in a free market, you do your best to make it competitive. Supplying customers who mostly have a history of buying from you for political reasons is not the same as your product winning orders away from the competition due to its merits.

I don't want to see a repetition of F-22 or B-2 happen here in the UK. They became so expensive that the US decided its flagship products were unaffordable and curtailed its orders. Japan may be prepared to pay an extremely high price for a very advanced fighter (due to China threat) but I am not convinced UK govt will be prepared to do that if costs spiral. In any event GCAP has not progressed to the point where it is actually going ahead. UK may baulk at the cost and buy F-35 instead. IMO the best chance of avoiding that is to make projected GCAP production efficient.

I see another danger on the horizon: 5G projects like Turkey's TF-X and India's AMCA may end up offering 5G+ capabilities at a fraction of the price of 6G GCAP. If GCAP becomes too expensive, some of our traditional export customers may opt to buy TF-X, for example, to replace their Eurofighters. I think that UK may have a fight on its hands to maintain orders from its ME customers due to the advent of a Muslim 5G manufacturer.
I think Turkey could potentially produce a capable product, they do seem to naturally good engineers.

Their domestically assembled F16's are said to be the most reliable and best assembled of the breed apparently.

As for India, no chance, HAL work in such a chaotic haphazard way they couldn't find their own arses with both hands!

No chance....

SW1
Senior Member
Posts: 5657
Joined: 27 Aug 2018, 19:12
United Kingdom

Re: Future UK Combat Aircraft (Project Tempest)

Post by SW1 »

Spitfire9 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 12:41
SW1 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 11:21
Spitfire9 wrote: 18 Feb 2023, 11:02 I think that the best chance for GCAP to be successful (customers placing large orders) involves roping in countries with a need to place large orders for such an aircraft. Japan, UK, Italy may order 300-500 between them, subject to cost. What other countries with aerospace industries and a future need for very advanced aircraft could be tempted to join the programme (a) to increase production numbers (b) offering lower production costs than Japanese, British, Italian production costs?

I would like GCAP to give itself the best chance of being ordered in numbers by avoiding exceedingly high costs as per Eurofighter. In the last 20 years where countries invited tenders for fighters from LM, Boeing, Dassault, SAAB and Eurofighter, the only manufacturer to fail to secure a single order was Eurofighter IIRC. Let's not repeat the process with GCAP.
There is 9 countries operating eurofighter and around 600 manufactured so far, sound pretty good to me for a non US operated aircraft.
Yes but that does not make it competitive. If you want a product to sell loads in a free market, you do your best to make it competitive. Supplying customers who mostly have a history of buying from you for political reasons is not the same as your product winning orders away from the competition due to its merits.

I don't want to see a repetition of F-22 or B-2 happen here in the UK. They became so expensive that the US decided its flagship products were unaffordable and curtailed its orders. Japan may be prepared to pay an extremely high price for a very advanced fighter (due to China threat) but I am not convinced UK govt will be prepared to do that if costs spiral. In any event GCAP has not progressed to the point where it is actually going ahead. UK may baulk at the cost and buy F-35 instead. IMO the best chance of avoiding that is to make projected GCAP production efficient.

I see another danger on the horizon: 5G projects like Turkey's TF-X and India's AMCA may end up offering 5G+ capabilities at a fraction of the price of 6G GCAP. If GCAP becomes too expensive, some of our traditional export customers may opt to buy TF-X, for example, to replace their Eurofighters. I think that UK may have a fight on its hands to maintain orders from its ME customers due to the advent of a Muslim 5G manufacturer.
I what way do mean competitive? People don’t buy fighters based on performance or price. Politics is king.

And what do mean by efficient production? I assume you think current production is inefficient?

I would love to know where all there additional orders people think would have appeared from. Very few buying into the heavy fighter market.

Post Reply