GCAP takes strides at Farnborough Airshow 2024

Exhibiting at Farnborough Air Show for the first time together, the three nations of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – UK, Italy and Japan – showcased the significant strides Government and industry are making to progress the development and delivery of the next generation aircraft.

Exhibiting at Farnborough Air Show for the first time together, the three nations of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) – UK, Italy and Japan – showcased the significant strides Government and industry are making to progress the development and delivery of the next generation aircraft.

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.

Business Development and Future Programmes SVP Mark Tivey, who represented Rolls-Royce, said:

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Farnborough International Air Show 2024 could not have gone better for GCAP. The programme continues to be a vital partnership between Japan, Italy and the UK.”

This could be seen in the seniority of the visits and delegations, which included the UK Prime Minister, The Rt. Hon. Keir Starmer MP and Defence Ministers of each of the partner nations – The Rt. Hon. John Healey MP, Minoru Kihara of Japan and Guido Crosetto of Italy.

Mark added: "We also had significant interest from across the world including senior military and political delegations from nations who may one day need the sixth generation capability that GCAP offers.”

During Farnborough week, the UK Parliament also ratified the GCAP Treaty, which was signed by the three nations in Tokyo last December. The treaty formality enables the stand-up of a tri-national Government organisation charged with delivering GCAP, a real landmark that allows both Governments and industry to set up for the next phase of the programme.

Partnership Programme Manager Silvia D’Errico also represented Rolls-Royce on the stand and commented:

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The event was a great opportunity to focus on the importance of sovereign combat air capability for generations to come. The programme is hugely significant for the security, political and economic prosperity of each nation. This includes employing tens of thousands of skilled people across the UK, Italy and Japan to grow industrial skills, and working with suppliers and academia to develop innovative technologies and transformative processes.”

The final day of the airshow transitioned to a public event - known as Pioneers of Tomorrow - with the aim of inspiring the next generation to become involved in STEM careers.

Rolls-Royce apprentice Kate took part in a Q&A panel on the GCAP stand and discussed her apprenticeship experience. She said: “I wanted to get involved with the Pioneers of Tomorrow panel event to encourage those interested in STEM to consider doing an apprenticeship. It’s important for Rolls-Royce apprentices to have a voice at such international events and engage with other aspiring engineers.”

Silvia added: “I also had the chance to see the ‘Pioneers of Tomorrow’ who interacted with our Power and Propulsion model. The enthusiasm and inspiring questions asked about the programme and future opportunities was great to see.”

About Rolls-Royce Holdings plc
  1. Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land. Our products and service packages enable our customers to connect people, societies, cultures and economies together; they meet the growing need for power generation across multiple industries; and enable governments to equip their armed forces with the power to protect.
  2. Rolls-Royce has a presence in 48 countries and customers in more than 150, comprising over 250 commercial large aero engine customers, 160 armed forces and navies and approximately 40,000 active Power Systems customers. We are committed to becoming a net zero company by 2050 and we support our customers to do the same.
  3. Annual underlying revenue was £15.4bn in 2023, underlying operating profit was £1.6bn and free cash flow £1.3bn.
  4. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc is publicly traded company (LSE: RR., ADR: RYCEY, LEI: 213800EC7997ZBLZJH69)
  5. Rolls-Royce Deutschland is the only aircraft engine manufacturer in Germany certified to develop, manufacture and maintain modern civil and military turbine engines. The company employs approximately 3,500 people at its facilities in Cottbus, Dahlewitz, Munich and Oberursel. Rolls-Royce Deutschland’s annual turnover in 2023 was more than 1.8billion Euro. So far, Rolls-Royce Deutschland has delivered more than 8,500 engines ‘made in Germany.’

www.rolls-royce.com

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