The Global Combat Air Program's three partner nations, the United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan, unveiled a new concept model of the next-generation fighter at the Farnborough International Air Show. The newly developed model has an evolved design with a larger wingspan than previous concepts, which improves the aircraft's aerodynamics. Engineers from BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are collaborating to design and develop the next-generation fighter using a variety of innovative digital tools and technologies, including computer modeling and virtual reality, which will allow the aircraft to be designed from the ground up. Leonardo's Chief Global Combat Air Program Officer, Guglielmo Maviglia, stated: "The pace of the programme is extraordinary, and it is based on solid foundations, an industrial heritage shared with each country, guided by their respective governments. Since the treaty was signed in December 2023, everyone has demonstrated a strong commitment to the programme. Each brings unique, yet complementary, qualities and needs. The project embodies the future of combat aircraft". The aircraft, which will go into service in 2035, will be one of the most advanced, interoperable, adaptable, and connected aircraft in the world, with an intelligent weapon system, an interactive software-based cockpit, integrated sensors, and a next-generation radar capable of providing 10,000 times more data than current systems.
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