When preproduction of the next-generation Tempest fighter jet ramps up next year, assemblers at BAE Systems will be using cutting-edge technology. The goal is to improve plant floor productivity while reducing the traditional time and cost associated with aircraft manufacturing.

BAE recently invested in state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 tools to equip its smart factory in Warton, England. The company believes that applying digital tools, such as additive manufacturing, augmented reality, automated guided vehicles, collaborative robots, data analytics and smart workstations, will revolutionize combat aircraft production.