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Manufacturing & process plantsAerospace Manufacturing (Military Aircraft, Advanced Manufacturing)

BAE Systems Warton Factory of the Future

Warton, Lancashire, UK · 2020-Present

The judgement call

Account-gated at launch

The "Factory of the Future" at Warton is a cornerstone of the UK's Tempest project, aiming to deliver a future combat air system by 2035. - This initiative demonstrates a strategic investment in advanced manufacturing and digital technologies to maintain a competitive edge in military aerospace. - The collaborative approach with numerous partners highlights the complexity and shared effort required for such ambitious defense projects.

Key engineering challenges

Implementing game-changing digital technologies to revolutionize combat aircraft production. - Developing advanced manufacturing techniques to cut costs and accelerate delivery of future military aircraft. - Fostering collaboration with over 40 partners to integrate diverse expertise. - Ensuring the factory is capable of producing highly complex, next-generation combat air systems like Tempest.

Project facts

Client / owner
BAE Systems
Lead contractor
Lead designers
Project type
upgrade | new build
Scale
Focus on digital connectivity and advanced manufacturing for future combat air systems (Tempest).
Disciplines
aerospace engineering; manufacturing engineering; digital engineering; robotics; systems
Standards & frameworks
Defense and aerospace industry standards

Sources: BAE Systems (https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/uk-businesses/air/factory-of-the-future) - Aero-Mag (Jun 2021, https://www.aero-mag.com/bae-systems-tempest-programme-08062021) - The Manufacturer (Jul 2020, https://www.themanufacturer.com/articles/first-of-its-kind-intelligent-factory-to-revolutionise-combat-aircraft-production/) - BAE Systems (https://www.baesystems.com/en-uk/uk-businesses/air/the-future-of-combat-air)