Farnborough is an excellent place to see new technology in action and discover future applications for it, and this week some of the most exciting products are on display in the defence sector.

The consortium developing the Tempest showcased the latest ‘wearable cockpit’. Designed to reduce the complexity of flying the advanced fighter, it will consist of a VR helmet, which will beam everything the pilot needs to know directly on to their visor.

Farnborough is well known for huge deals from the major manufacturers, but after the upheaval of the pandemic the industry was expecting a more modest order book at this year’s show.

Qatar deal

Nevertheless, deals have rolled in and there was a significant announcement that saw Qatar Airways commit to 25 more 737 Max aircraft, following a switch from Airbus narrowbodies.

This year has seen growth in the number and variety of international delegations at Farnborough.There are 25 country pavilions, five of which are new for 2022, and more than 70 per cent of exhibitors are from outside the UK.

Looking to the the sky, fighter jets with 80 years between them were in action, with the iconic Rolls-Royce Spitfire followed swiftly by a flypast from an RAF Typhoon.

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