Lancashire engineers play key role in Tempest development

Engineers from BAE Systems in Lancashire have been helping to develop the Tempest, the next generation aircraft set to enter service in 2035.

The craft was initially designed digitally and tested virtually before 3D-printed scale models were tested in real life within a specialist wind tunnel facility at the organisation's Warton site.

Models were tested under wind speeds of more than twice the speed of sound, with data collected from the trials to be used to refine and shape the final design.

Paul Wilde, head of airframe technologies, Tempest said: "The digital twin concept we have developed will be used to design, test and support every single system and structure for Tempest. By taking an entirely digital approach to the challenge the UK government has set us, we’re transforming the way we work and adding incredible value to the programme.

"We can achieve what traditionally would have taken a number of months in a number of days. As a result, we’re working faster for the future and we’re using the virtual environment to create endless opportunities for our engineers to experiment without boundaries, and with open minds – key to the future innovation of the programme."

In addition to the latest testing work taking place at Warton, work on the Tempest programme is also underway at the nearby site at Samlesbury.

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