• BAE Systems ‘4.0 Factory of the future’ set to deliver Tempest on schedule
• Flying demonstrator Tempest jet ready in next 5 years
• 50 SMEs already involved in the project with more to follow

With the unveiling of a representative fast jet fuselage at the Farnborough International Airshow 2022, BAE Systems announced its intention to develop novel design and manufacturing capabilities from its new ‘4.0 Factory of the Future’ in Lancashire, to deliver the UK’s $11.3 billion investment in the new sixth-generation Tempest supersonic fighter jet.

Harry Boneham, Aerospace Analyst at GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, commented: “BAE Systems is now aiming to expand the factory to twice its current size over the next two years. This move comes as progress of the Tempest program ramps up following the announcement that a flying demonstrator will be presented in the next five years.”

The factory is being developed in tandem with the production of the Tempest aircraft, with the goal of reducing the timeline between the first demonstrator model and production aircraft. In addition, developers are aiming at delivering a product agnostic facility, capable of leveraging a reconfigurable modular production architecture to rapidly transition between production of different platforms.

Boneham continued: “The factory utilizes off-the-shelf robotics using SLAM technology to increase efficiency in production which will influence the final cost of an eventual platform.”

Notably, the factory has had an open approach to development. Many of the engineers involved in the project are reportedly in the early part of their careers and are open to entirely novel production techniques which can enhance the production chain. Additionally, BAE Systems has cooperated with over 50 SMEs, incorporating their various expertise to propel technological development. For example, ElectroImpact has been instrumental in the development of automated manufacturing robots for Tempest.

Boneham adds: “With the reassurance given in recent days by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace, regarding the UKs commitment to the program which includes working with Italy and Japan on ‘joint concept analysis’, it will be an attractive project for SMEs, whose specialist skills will be highly valued, to collaborate on. There is likely to be heavy investment in the future, both from the UK and from abroad, and involvement in the project will carry a certain amount of prestige and boost smaller firms’ profiles.”