New Next Generation Combat Aircraft Conceptual Model Unveiled By GCAP Partner Nations | Aviation

The new concept model was unveiled at Farnborough International Airshow.

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) partner nations, the UK, Italy, and Japan, have unveiled a new concept model of their future combat aircraft at Farnborough International Airshow 2024, opening today in the UK. This marks the first time these three nations have presented together at the event, demonstrating significant progress in their collaborative efforts to develop a next-generation combat aircraft.

The new concept model, that you can find at Hall 5, features an advanced design with a larger wingspan than previous iterations, aimed at enhancing aerodynamics. Engineers from BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which are the industrial leaders (Lead Systems Integrators) on the GCAP, are jointly working on this project, employing innovative digital tools like computer-based modeling and virtual reality to refine the aircraft’s design during its conceptual phase.

There are some interesting differences between the new model and the one showcased at Farnborough 2022 that you can see here below.

First of all, size: the new GCAP one is a 1:1…