During the five-day event, GCAP partners unveiled a new concept model of the next generation combat aircraft, featuring a much more evolved design with a wingspan larger than previous concepts to improve the aerodynamics of the future combat aircraft.
The combat aircraft, set to be in service in 2035, will be one of the world’s most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected fighter jets, boasting an integrated hybrid power and propulsion solution, advanced weapons system, a software-driven interactive cockpit and a powerful next generation radar capable of providing 10,000 times more data than current systems.
As well as having its own chalet at the international airshow, Rolls-Royce supported the GCAP stand and represented the ‘Power and Propulsion’ domain of the programme alongside international counterparts Avio Aero and IHI.
Also displayed for the first time was a new interactive GCAP engine model that allows the partners to showcase some of the technologies that define sixth generation power and propulsion. These include the smart generation of much more electrical energy to power all the systems on the aircraft and ensure its future proofed for emerging technologies such as directed energy weapons systems.