We are finally saying goodbye to the UK's iconic Red Arrow jets, following the country's Ministry of Defence's (MoD) signing of a multimillion-dollar agreement with a private defense corporation for the development of a new fleet, as reported by Interesting Engineering.
(Photo : Jack Taylor/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 23: A Royal Air Force Red Arrow jet sits outside Number 10 Downing Street to mark RAF 100 celebrations on May 23, 2018 in London, England. British Prime Minister Theresa May is to hold a reception at Number 10 later today to mark the RAF centenary.
The agreement will provide the MoD access to digital technical data and support, which may lead to the development of a new generation of light military aircraft, according to MicroSoft Network (MSN).
The First Since 1976
If everything goes to plan, the new aircrafts will be the first fully British manufacturer, designed, and engineered military jets since 1976 when the Hawk was introduced.
This is also a sign that the UK is investing and supporting more their own aircraft. It can be recalled that the initial suggestion for the Red Arrows was that they have had to fly non-native aircraft for the first time because of the retirement of the Hawks in 2030.
AERALIS Technology: Making Things Faster and More Affordable
The good news is, AERALIS has developed a system that will let the company develop a fleet of light aircraft faster and in a more cost-effective way. They will use a fully integrated digital approach to the design, certification, and development.
AERALIS is a UK-based firm that designs and manufactures aircraft. They claimed to be involved in the development of the new aircraft. According to the company, the aircraft is in development with the help of over 130 workers.
The country's TEMPEST program will also use AERALIS technology for the replacement of the RAF Typhoon.
The new set of Red Arrows is expected to have the same fuselage and cockpit. However, they may be changes to their wings, tails, and noses, which will depend on how it will be flown.
Also Read: UK Joins Japan and Italy in Tempest Alliance to Build Fighter Jet With Hypersonic Weaponry
What the New Red Arrows Could Look Like
It is expected that there will be variants that will include a fast jet trainer to replace the Hawks. This is important for military Top Guns who are learning to fly high octane, supersonic missions.
According to Tristan Crawford, the head for Aeralis, "This contract is another step towards rejuvenating our ability to develop whole aircraft. We are the only UK company taking this pioneering digital engineering approach," he said.
Rishi Sunak, the Prime Minister of the UK announced last week that Britain would partner with Japan and Italy on the Future Combat Air System.
Should the program be successful, the UK will have a new set of military aircraft that can replace the aging Red Arrows. This new version is expected to fly either stealth missions or provide cover to other aircraft.
Moreover, the new aircraft is also expected to be compatible with the Typhoon, as well as other UK aircrafts and platforms.
Related Article: Tempest Fighter: UK, Two Other Countries to Join Forces on Its Creation
