Aerospace

UK, Japan, Italy Sign Agreement for Next-Gen Fighter Jet Development

The UK, Japan, and Italy, the three governments participating in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), have inked a global agreement to supply a cutting-edge stealth fighter outfitted with state-of-the-art technology and capable of travelling faster than the speed of sound.

With the creation of the GCAP International Government Organisation (the GIGO) by the participating governments, the treaty signifies a significant milestone in the joint development and delivery of a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035.

As a major industrial contributor to the effects domain of the GCAP programme, MBDA is delighted about the international treaty that the three GCAP governments have signed.

The agreement also stated that the GCAP government headquarters (HQ) will be located in the UK, with Japan providing the position of CEO initially. Delivering essential military capability, bolstering each nation’s combat air industrial capability, and obtaining value for money will be the HQ’s responsibilities.

Separately, a future joint business construct with its headquarters in the UK will be in charge of managing programme support and timely delivery, including the combat aircraft’s 2035 in-service date (known as Tempest in the UK).

Following a recent meeting in Tokyo, representatives from Leonardo, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, and BAE Systems continued to discuss the future joint industrial construct to deliver GCAP. The industry partners announced a Collaboration Agreement in September of this year to facilitate continuing conversations about long-term working arrangements, concept maturity, and capability requirements for the next generation of combat aircraft. The joint development phase of the programme is due to launch in 2025.

Aerospace

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.