BAE digital design and aerospace engineers are exploiting the digital environment to design, test and fly concepts for Tempest, a next-generation combat air system for the UK, writes Stephen Kuper.
The concepts demonstrate how leading engineers are embracing one of Britain’s biggest engineering challenges for the next decade faster than ever before using a digital approach.
Using the latest digital twin technologies, conceptual shapes for the aircraft have been virtually designed and tested, with high-performance computers able to calculate the aerodynamic performance of different aircraft features and test pilots taking Tempest to the skies from a ground-based simulator.
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 program.”
Once digitally tested, scale models were 3D printed and put through their paces at BAE Systems’ world-class wind tunnel facilities at Warton, Lancashire, to physically test the aerodynamic properties of the design under harsh wind speeds of more than twice the speed of sound.
Data from these trials is now being used to refine and shape the final design of the UK’s next combat aircraft, which will be in service by 2035.
The research forms part of a wider UK-led effort to define the requirements for a future air combat system, and ultimately deliver the most advanced engineering project Britain has ever seen.
BAE Systems is working closely with Rolls Royce, Leonardo and MBDA as part of Team Tempest to explore more than 60 technology areas in total, experimenting with different ideas ranging from the physical shape of an aircraft to the sophisticated sensors that will become the brains of a future system.
Michael Christie, director, future combat air systems, BAE Systems, added, “Designing an aircraft has traditionally been an opportunity which comes up once in someone’s career which causes real challenges of transferring skills and knowledge. The technologies now available to us mean that we can reduce the design cycle which in itself is good for the affordability of a program but we can also perform more cycles very quickly until we get it right.”
This digital twin concept underpins the entire engineering life cycle for Tempest.
“The UK government has set us a significant challenge, but the program has some of the boldest and brightest minds on board, who are breaking milestones at an accelerated pace and developing technologies and techniques that will be game-changing for the UK defence industry and beyond,” Christie added.
From initial designs, to manufacture and support, the concept will create an open and agile workspace for those involved on the program. It has also been adopted in the development of a first of its kind Factory of the Future at Warton, which BAE Systems is currently using to demonstrate how the future fighter aircraft could be built.
Here, data from intelligent robots, supply chain databases and machines is digitally threaded together to deliver increased efficiency and accuracy in the manufacturing process.
BAE Systems is using data from the trials, combined with research across the program and together with its Team Tempest partners to contribute towards the development of an outline business case to be considered by the UK government, which is scheduled to be the next major decision point on commencing the next phase of a Combat Air Acquisition Programme for the UK.
