Tempest

[paddy]

The RAF said today that the first tempest will fly in 2028 with an in service date of 2035.
Do others think maned Aircraft will still be about in 2035 ? given the ridiculous costs when even now drones will do the job for a fraction of the price .
I know this is not model related although it could be soon but there is a massive arms build up starting in the UK. New 6th generation fighters, Drone ship minesweepers, a whole new fleet of Frigates and destroyers , new attack subs and so on I just wonder if Ukraine has taught us anything about a £1.5m MBT and £100k drone.. I can certainly see ships with skeleton ( no not literally ) crews. We already have the QE2 carriers here with with a core crew of 680 against Nimitz carriers at 3200

Just wondering if we are at a milestone crossroads ?

 

[Heavens Eagle]

Yeah, the attack drones that are being used in Ukraine don't cost very much are are basically unmanned kamikazes. Nothing feels worse than an expensive MBT being taken out by a cheap drone.

 

[Sharkmouth]

Manned aircraft will not go out of fashion for quite a while. However slow the progress is, it will eventually happen where aircraft will be remotely piloted into highly maneuverable combat. I've been following the war in Eastern Europe VERY closely as it is too close for comfort to the place I plan to retire.

 

[paddy]

The reality is Ukraine has effectively wiped out the Russian black sea fleet and Ukraine doesnt really have any ships. As for fighter jets ? i dont know but i would guess the limiting factor will always be the pilot and his ability to withstand relatively low G compared with what could be available .

 

[moon puppy]

I get giving credit to past aircraft names but are we this limited? I like the name Raptor for the F22. Do we have to keep rotating the old names?

 

[Sharkmouth]

The reality is Ukraine has effectively wiped out the Russian black sea fleet and Ukraine doesnt really have any ships. As for fighter jets ? i dont know but i would guess the limiting factor will always be the pilot and his ability to withstand relatively low G compared with what could be available .

Perfect example as Ukraine is in a position to know yet has, and still wants, manned aircraft.

I get giving credit to past aircraft names but are we this limited? I like the name Raptor for the F22. Do we have to keep rotating the old names?

If we are allowed to have F-47 Thunderbolt II, and so on, why can't the British, if they would at least add a roman 2 to it as Tempest II?

 

[paddy]

It something we have always done especially with ships. How many Ark Royals, Iron Dukes and Prince of Wales has their been and i think we will soon be on Challenger 3 MBT. What do you call you F35 lightning ?

 

[paddy]

"Perfect example as Ukraine is in a position to know yet has, and still wants, manned aircraft"

Yes but will they in 2035 re: the Tempest ?.

 

[paddy]

Its also interesting to note the RAF is powdering down the old Tornado fleet and using this powder to 3D print parts for the Tempest ...I kid you not.