Rolls-Royce, IHI and Avio Aero have expanded their partnership to develop a power and propulsion system for next-generation fighter aircraft under the United Kingdom’s Global Combat Air Programme.
“This new agreement is a pivotal step. It allows us to move from national programs to a truly international, one-team approach,” said Phil Townley, director of Defence Aerospace — Future Programs at Rolls-Royce. “By combining our expertise, we’re accelerating breakthroughs in materials, manufacturing and design that will power GCAP and strengthen the defense industrial base across the U.K., Italy and Japan.”
As part of the expanded collaboration, engineers from all three companies are working on an engine demonstrator, focusing on advancements in additive manufacturing and high-pressure compressor design. They recently unveiled a combustor that uses geometric cooling pathways created through advanced additive manufacturing techniques.
GCAP is part of the British government’s Combat Air Strategy, which was introduced in 2018 to shape and deliver next-generation air combat capabilities.
The partnership also connects the consortium directly with Edgewing, a joint venture between BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co. Ltd. Edgewing is leading the development of Tempest, a GCAP fighter jet designed to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon.
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