GCAP model put on show at Farnborough as plans solidify
The model on show at Farnborough. (Photo: Author)
What Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will be and how it will work is expected to be fleshed out over the next few years. For the moment, however, a concept model along with a lightshow has been drawing visitors and new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Farnborough International Airshow.
The tri-national consortium behind the GCAP programme has set next year as the date for the “anticipated start of full design and development phase” of the aircraft and 2035 as the date for “core platform in service”.
Heads of the programme for the three companies, namely Italy’s Leonardo, Japan’s Mitusbishi Heavy Industries and the UK’s BAE Systems, highlighted the commitment they had received from their national governments, and promised industrial and national benefits.
Herman Claesen, managing director, Future Combat Air Systems for BAE Systems' Air sector, said the ongoing UK government Strategic Defence Review would be unlikely to impact the programme.
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