Star of Farnborough departs for pastures new
The undoubted star of the recent Farnborough Airshow was a full scale model of BAE Systems’ latest Tempest concept, which showed off a number of changes to the aircraft’s configuration. Tempest is the UK name for the next generation manned fighter being developed under the Anglo-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Aircraft Programme. The new model was built by Artem, a special effects company based in Perivale, West London – “just behind the Hoover Building!” Shaun Donovan, the company’s hands-on special effects supervisor, explained.
Artem has been producing special effects for film, theatre and TV for nearly 30 years. The company’s film credits include ‘Hot Fuzz’ and ‘Paddington 2’ while theatre projects include ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Stranger Things’. The company worked on the spectacular 2012 Olympics opening ceremony, and on ‘Ozzy’ the giant Bull from the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The company was contracted to do the Tempest job by M-is of Isleworth, about ten weeks ago. The model took six days to erect at Farnborough, and about three days to dismantle. Re-erection at Warton is expected to take about six days, although some patching and repair to the delicate surfaces is likely to be needed.
Weighing in at about two tonnes, the GCAP model was made from high-density, fire retardent polystyrene. This was finished with epoxy and a lightweight, water-based filler that gave a very smooth finish.
At Farnborough, the model served as a giant screen for projected graphics, dominating the BAE Systems GCAP exhibit in Hall 5. The model serving as a backdrop for numerous VIP visits, including one by Britain’s new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.
The aircraft is being moved to BAE Systems’ Warton site, where it will be displayed to visiting dignitaries.
