Sixth-generation jet fighter

Boeing F/A-XX, a sixth generation air superiority fighter concept.

A sixth-generation jet fighter is a conceptualized class of fighter aircraft design more advanced than the fifth-generation jet fighters which are currently in service in the United States of America and in development in other countries. The United States Air Force and United States Navy are anticipated to field their first sixth-generation fighters in the 2025–30 time frame.^[1][2] The USAF are pursing development and acquisition of a sixth-generation fighter through the F-X program to replace the F-22 Raptor, and the U.S. Navy is pursuing a similar program called the Air Dominance Fighter to replace the F/A-18 Super Hornet.^[3]

History

On October 10, 2012, Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Frank Kendal justified the need to start the program.^[4]

In April 2013, DARPA started a study to try to bridge the USAF and USN concepts.^[5]

Design concepts

Dubbed the "Next Generation Tactical Aircraft"/"Next Gen TACAIR",^[6] the USAF seeks a fighter with "enhanced capabilities in areas such as reach, persistence, survivability, net-centricity, situational awareness, human-system integration and weapons effects," a November 4, 2010 presolicitation notice states. “The future system will have to counter adversaries equipped with next generation advanced electronic attack, sophisticated integrated air defense systems, passive detection, integrated self-protection, directed energy weapons, and cyber attack capabilities. It must be able to operate in the anti-access/area-denial environment that will exist in the 2030–50 timeframe.”^[7][8]

The Sixth Generation fighters are expected to use advanced engines such as Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology to allow longer ranges and higher performance. Risk reduction began in 2012 so that engine development can start around 2020. An engine is to be ready when fighters are introduced by the Navy in 2028 and the Air Force in 2032.^[9]

USAF General Mike Hostage has said that they have yet to decide on which features will define the sixth generation fighters.^[10]

In November 2013, the Air Force Research Laboratory released a request for information (RFI) for a laser weapon that could be mounted on next-generation air dominance fighters by the 2030s. The Air Force is interested in three categories of lasers: low-power for illuminating, tracking, targeting, and defeating enemy sensors; moderate-power for protection to destroy incoming missiles; and high-power to offensively engage enemy aircraft and ground targets. The laser and systems controls are to work at altitudes from sea level to 65,000 ft at speeds from Mach 0.6 to Mach 2.5. Laser submissions are to be at technology readiness level 4 (basic components work in a lab) by October 2014, and the Air Force wants a system to be at technology readiness level 5 (system components work in a simulated environment) or higher by 2022. The RFI requests submissions with detailed descriptions in a militarily useful configuration, potential problems and solutions, and cost estimates.^[11]

The RAND Corporation has recommended that the U.S. military services avoid joint programs for the development and procurement of a sixth-generation fighter. Studies by RAND have found that in previous joint programs, different service-specific requirements for complex programs have lead to design compromises that raise costs far more than normal single-service programs. In a comparison between four recent joint service programs (F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, T-6A Texan II Joint Primary Aircraft Training System, E-8 JSTARS, V-22 Osprey) and four recent single-service programs (C-17 Globemaster III, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, F-22 Raptor, T-45 Goshawk), costs for joint programs rose 65 percent nine years after a Milestone B decision to move into engineering and manufacturing development compared to 24 percent for independent programs during the same timespan.^[12]

Examples

In September 2011, Boeing unveiled a sixth-generation fighter concept for the U.S. Navy and Air Force. It is planned to have supercruise and fly faster and further than the F-35 Lightning II. Boeing is self-funding the project until an official fighter program starts to have a design ready.^[13]

Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works division has revealed a conceptual next-generation fighter design that offers the first hints of an ambitious, long-term technology strategy for the new class of tactical aircraft that will emerge after 2030. The concept was published in a 2012 calendar, which was distributed to journalists. Lockheed Martin has called for greater speed, range, stealth and self-healing structures.^[14]

International development

In 2010, Japanese Ministry of Defence exposed the concept of sixth-generation national product jet fighter.^[15]

On 26 August 2013, Russia revealed it would proceed with development of a sixth-generation jet fighter. They say the aircraft will most likely be pilotless. However, they would not skip completing development of fifth-generation fighter projects, like the Sukhoi T-50.^[16]

China is believed to be developing sixth-generation fighters, with designs being created by companies including Shenyang Aircraft Corporation and Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation. Russia believes that with the introduction of an American sixth-generation fighter planned between 2030 and 2040, it is unlikely that China could develop their own before that timeframe given the lack of sufficient resources.^[17]

France has abandoned any attempt to develop an indigenous fifth-generation fighter and have moved resources directly to development of a sixth-generation fighter aircraft.^[17]

See also

• Air superiority fighter
• Fighter aircraft
• Next Generation Air Dominance

References