UK's elite innovators and engineers join forces for advanced combat aircraft project.

Leading UK combat air enterprises and the Ministry of Defence have teamed up with top machine learning, artificial intelligence, data science, and computing experts to enhance software development for an innovative fighter jet, the Tempest.

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Set to be a cornerstone of the UK's future combat air system (FCAS), Tempest is envisioned as a high-speed stealth fighter boasting groundbreaking technologies, including sophisticated integrated sensing and protection features (Picture source: BAE Systems)

Set to be a cornerstone of the UK's future combat air system (FCAS), Tempest is envisioned as a high-speed stealth fighter boasting groundbreaking technologies, including sophisticated integrated sensing and protection features. A crucial aspect of these capabilities is the extensive software integration, involving millions of code lines in the aircraft and additional code in ground-based systems. This software demands exceptional robustness and resilience to outperform potential adversaries.

The collaboration yielded crucial insights into software aspects like requirements, design, operation, upgrade speed, and maintenance for both the jet and its supporting training systems.

Deep tech intelligence firm Outsmart Insight and creative problem-solving specialists Oxford Creativity conducted focused research with scientists, engineers, and academic institutions. Their work tackled key challenges in software development for the programme's expected multi-decade lifespan, including flexible computing resource management, trustworthy artificial intelligence integration, software reusability, and enhanced software reliability.

Air Commodore Martin Lowe, FCAS Programme Director at the MOD, emphasized the pivotal role of software in Tempest, highlighting the need for adaptability through regular updates. He acknowledged the risks of poor software development and the advantages of quality software, equating the importance of software developers with aircraft maintainers and pilots. The enthusiasm and positive approach of Outsmart Insight and Oxford Creativity have bolstered confidence in leveraging software advancements in the programme. This project underscored the value of collaborative research across academia and industry.

In light of these findings, Team Tempest partners have initiated further research with UK academic institutions, focusing on developing more resilient and robust software. This initiative aligns with the programme's goal of establishing a modern, efficient, secure, and continuously evolving software delivery ecosystem.

Tempest is projected to enter service by 2035. The programme promises substantial economic benefits for the UK, nurturing critical skills and ensuring that the country's technical and industrial expertise in advanced combat air systems continues to lead for future generations.

ADAPT is an integrated virtual environment designed to provide comprehensive analysis across multiple warfighting domains, improving the ability of decision-makers to predict, adapt, and win in contested, evolving environments (Picture source: BAE Systems)

BAE Systems unveils ADAPT virtual environment to advance mission outcomes

BAE Systems unveiled its advanced digital analysis and prototyping testbed, also known as ADAPT, at the annual I/ITSEC in Orlando, Florida. ADAPT is an integrated virtual environment designed to provide comprehensive analysis across multiple warfighting domains, improving the ability of decision-makers to predict, adapt, and win in contested, evolving environments.

ADAPT models and simulates complex scenarios, encompassing platforms, sensors, networks, data, and processing algorithms in real-time—a capability that is not achievable with high-level simulators or operations analysis tools. “ADAPT provides the unique ability to simulate tactical-level data to understand how advanced algorithms and software perform within a digital environment to enable decision advantage within battle networks,” said Matt Crozier, director of advanced technology prototyping at BAE Systems Intelligence & Security. “Its open system architecture allows rapid integration of additional simulators and digital models in real-time within live, virtual, and constructive environments.”

The virtual environment’s high-fidelity platform can simulate real-world combined joint all-domain command and control (C-JADC2) scenarios. In addition to mission and information analysis, ADAPT provides a system of systems analysis through the integration of model-based system engineering in which it can assess, trade, and optimize architecture and requirements in a digital environment.

For more than 30 years, BAE Systems has supported the U.S. government with enterprise IT, engineering, and system integration services, advancing technologies and keeping in step with its evolving mission requirements. Its systems engineering and modernization offerings include the introduction of next-generation commercial products and the implementation of automation, and Agile and DevSecOps solutions.