GCAP revealed: UK reveals design of Tempest 6th generation fighter jet demonstrator with first flight targeted for 2027
July 17, 2025
The UK has taken the cover off the final design for the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator, also known as Tempest, being developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
There are no real surprises in the design, with the aircraft featuring the same v-tail and bubble cockpit as previous renders. However, there are some slight differences which can provide a clue as to the priorities of GCAP.
The new render shows a larger delta wing than some graphics, although not as expansive as earlier concept art. This indicates an emphasis on stealth and internal fuel, but with moderation for agility and efficiency.
Also new is the sharper, chined fuselage. These sharp angles help suppress radar waves and improve the stealth of the airframe.
Overall, the demonstrator graphic is largely in line with what would be expected of a 6th generation fighter jet. The design lends itself to a long range, fast and payload capable fighter jet, designed for stealth rather than close up dogfights.
Manufacturing of GCAP prototype is advancing ‘at pace’
The Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is not the final Tempest. Rather, it’s set to be a testbed for the technologies being integrated into Tempest, designed to de-risk the GCAP programme.
Nevertheless, it’s the first piloted supersonic aircraft to be designed in the UK in 40 years, and a major milestone in the progress of the programme. BAE Systems, one of the project partners, is expecting to have the prototype in the air by 2027.
To meet this ambitious timeline, BAE is employing pioneering technologies to build the jet. It is being constructed at BAE Systems sites in Lancashire, using state of the art robotics, digital manufacturing and 3D printing to accelerate the production timeline.
“By combining 3D printing, cobotics, and model-based engineering, we’re reshaping how fighter jets are built,” said Tony Godbold, director of the Future Combat Air Systems program at BAE. “This demonstrator is not just a prototype — it’s a foundation for the aircraft of the 2030s.”
The result of this is that now, even at this early stage of the programme, the prototype already has two-thirds of its structural weight in production.
“The Combat Air Flying Demonstrator is providing invaluable lessons on future combat air delivery and equipping our people with the skills they will need to deliver GCAP,” says Richard Berthon, Director Future Combat Air, UK Ministry of Defence.
“Manufacturing of the aircraft continues at pace, which is testament to the ingenuity and collaboration of Government and industry teams.”
Pilots are already learning to fly the Tempest demonstrator
Test pilots from BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and the Royal Air Force (RAF) have now flown more than 300 hours of the Combat Air Flying Demonstrator in a bespoke simulator.
Using simulated flight trials, pilots and engineers can rapidly assess the flight control systems during more complex flight manoeuvres, capturing crucial data about how the jet will handle and perform, years before its first flight.
The demonstrator will test a wide range of new technologies, including the integration of stealth compatible features.
The next generation combat aircraft will be delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme with the UK, Italy and Japan all collaborating on the project. This follows the formation of an official joint venture called Edgewing, and the selection of Reading as the head office for the GCAP development.
