A new shape. The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), the sixth-generation fighter aircraft set to become the cornerstone of future aviation systems in London, Rome, and Tokyo, has been revealed in a new version at the Farnborough International Air Show 2024, the UK’s leading aerospace exhibition.
- The aircraft now features an evolved design with a larger wingspan than previous concepts, undoubtedly to enhance its aerodynamics.
- Engineers from BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), along with sub-system integrators from Italy including Elt Group, MBDA Italia, and Avio Aero, have leveraged highly innovative technologies such as computer modeling and virtual reality to bring this new conceptual model to life.
According to Leonardo, “It will be one of the most advanced, interoperable, adaptable, and connected aircraft in service globally, equipped with an intelligent weapon system, a software-based interactive cockpit, integrated sensors, and a next-generation radar capable of providing 10,000 times more data than current systems.”
- Guglielmo Maviglia, Chief GCAP Officer of Leonardo, mentioned that since the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the countries in December 2023, the involved parties have been working diligently to exchange mutual knowledge.
- His counterparts from BAE Systems and MHI echoed these sentiments. Herman Claesen remarked, “In the 18 months since the launch of the Global Combat Air Programme, we have worked closely with our industrial partners in Japan and Italy, as well as the three governments, to understand and align the requirements for a next-generation fighter.”
- The new model was unveiled in the presence of the Italian Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, who was visiting the International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition.
The last step. Today, during the Council of Ministers, the government will finalise the ratification and Execution of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Governmental Organisation GCAP, completed in Tokyo on December 14, 2023.
