Here's "Tempest," the Fighter Jet Program That Makes Britain Want to Trim F-35B Orders - Military Media

Fighter Jet Program Britain 

Militarymedia.net - News that the British Ministry of Defense plans to massively slash orders for F-35B Lightning II fighter jets. From the initial commitment, acquired 138 units, to only 48 units. Although it has not yet been a decision, the plan has made a stir, because the UK has been known as a tear 1 partner in the development of the F-35.

Despite the content of the tightening defense budget, it is rumored that the F-35B acquisition funds will actually be diverted to the cost of developing future fighter jets - the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) labeled the program "Tempest." Summarized from several sources, the sixth-generation stealth fighter jet is scheduled to begin operation of the British Air Force in 2035. From another perspective, the UK does not want to miss out on France, Germany and Spain having proclaimed a consortium of FCAS projects in June 2019.

The UK was not alone in carrying Tempest, realizing it needed a partner to support the funding, Tempest was also supported by Italy and Sweden by establishing a consortium "Team Tempest." Later users, in addition to the English Air Force, were the Italian Air Force and the Swedish AU.

Fighter Jet Program Britain

Tempest's team consists of the UK Ministry of Defence, Thales UK, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Martin Baker, Leonardo S.p.A. and MBDA. For the UK and Italy, Tempest is expected to replace eurofighter typhoon fighter jets that will be retired in the coming decades.

Well, what does Tempest's profile look like, making the UK plan to massively slash F-35B orders?

Tempest's design was first released at Farnborough 2018 as a Future British 6th Generation Fighter.

Tempest can basically be flown with crew and unmanned, this fighter jet is also prepared to operate teaming with Loyal Wingman. From the specifications, Tempest carries dual Rolls-Royce afterburning turbofan engines. Tempest's maximum speed is 2,500 km per hour and is capable of flying up to an altitude of 15,500 meters. The range of flying fighter jets of this future is 3,200 km.

As a stealth fighter jet, ammunition is stored inside the bomb bay, although it also provides hardpoints for special missions. Tempest is 19 meters long, 13.5 meters wide and 5 meters high. Tempest's empty weight is 14.5 tons, while the maximum weight at takeoff is 25 tons.

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