BAE Systems has unveiled a new concept model of its next-generation combat aircraft under the Global Combat Air Program at the Farnborough International Airshow.
The new aircraft, which the U.K. contractor developed with Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Leonardo of Italy, features a larger wingspan than previous concepts for enhanced aerodynamics, a more intelligent weapons system and a next-generation radar.
Herman Claesen, managing director for future combat air systems at BAE Systems, said the close collaboration between program participants helped better understand future combat aircraft requirements.
“The new model unveiled at Farnborough International Airshow shows notable progress in the design and concepting of this future fighter jet,” he said. “We’ll continue to test and evolve the design as we move closer towards the next phase of the program.”
GCAP is a partnership between the governments of the U.K., Japan and Italy to pool their resources to develop a next-generation stealth fighter jet.