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Tempest fighter jet: UK unveils first model of new RAF plane at Farnborough Air Show

A model of the new Tempest fighter jet after being unveiled at the BAE Systems stand: PA
A model of the new Tempest fighter jet after being unveiled at the BAE Systems stand: PA

The first model of the UK’s new RAF fighter jet, the Tempest, has been unveiled.

The new jet was on display at the Farnborough Air Show and experts say could be used as a drone as well as for pilot travel.

The Tempest will replace the existing Typhoon fighter jet and will be developed by BAE Systems, engine maker Rolls-Royce, Italy's Leonardo and missiles expert MBDA.

Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson said that he hopes the plane will fly by 2035.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson speaking at the unveiling of the new Tempest fighter jet at the BAE Systems stand during the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow (PA)
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson speaking at the unveiling of the new Tempest fighter jet at the BAE Systems stand during the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow (PA)

The project will cost the UK £2 billion according to Mr Williamson.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson (right) and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Hillier (left) before the unveling of the new Tempest fighter jet (PA)
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson (right) and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshall Sir Stephen Hillier (left) before the unveling of the new Tempest fighter jet (PA)

He said he hoped the plane would ensure that the UK stayed at the forefront of fighter technology and in control of airspace in future combat.

“We have been a world leader in the combat air sector for a century, with an enviable array of skills and technology, and this strategy makes clear that we are determined to make sure it stays that way,” he said.

The chief executive of BAE Systems, Charles Woodburn, told the BBC's Today programme that it would be some time before the jet is in the air.

Visitors look at the model of a new fighter jet, (AFP/Getty Images)
Visitors look at the model of a new fighter jet, (AFP/Getty Images)

"We already have the Typhoon platform which forms the absolute bedrock of European air defence and that'll be in service for decades to come," he said.

"The important thing about the new concept is that it will illustrate a direction of travel and many of those technologies that will be embodied in that will first see their service through the Typhoon.

"For example, upgrades on the avionics, upgrades in the weapons systems, upgrades in the radar will be deployed through the Typhoon and will be deployed there and then."