What will be the Russian fighter of the 6 generation
Su-57 - the fifth generation fighter and a possible representative of the sixth. Photo UAC / uacrussia.ru
Appearance of the future
At the level of general discussions, the topic of the sixth generation of Russian fighters was discussed for a long time, but only in 2016 it was raised at the official level. Then the question of further development aviation Technicians commented on the heads of several different organizations. Thanks to this, some of the views of our specialists on the most important issue have become known, which generally remain relevant today.
The most important information about the technical appearance of the new fighter in 2016 was disclosed by the management of the Radio Electronic Technology Concern. At that time, KRET was already engaged in the development of equipment for such an aircraft. Subsequently, other organizations also revealed their views. For example, the other day this topic was touched upon by the State Research Institute of Aviation Systems.
Even in 2016 it became known that the main difference between the 6 generation will be the so-called optional maneuverability - the aircraft can be built with or without a cockpit. Automation will be able to take on the responsibilities of a pilot, although some decisions will still remain with the person.
Manned and unmanned fighters will have to work as part of a "flock" - a mixed unit under human control. Members of such a "flock" will perform different actions aimed at solving a common problem. UAVs will have to take on the most dangerous work, reducing the risks for the pilots.
It is proposed the use of avionics capable of fully interacting with the pilot, given his physical and mental capabilities, position, etc. Thus, the pilot will not be subjected to undue stress, and situational awareness and the composition of the “flock” will depend on his position and task.
KRET offers a new integrated avionics avionics architecture. It provides for the use of a set of electronic blocks, each of which is capable of performing several functions. One such product can operate as a radar, radio station and electronic warfare system, or combine other functions. The presence of a number of multifunctional blocks expands the capabilities of the aircraft electronic warfare, as well as increases its survivability and combat stability.
The expected increase in flight performance was mentioned. New technology will be able to approach hypersonic speeds and show improved altitude. The possibility of limited work in near space is not ruled out. In particular, the appearance of serial anti-satellite air-launched missile systems is possible.
In the 6 generation, special attention is paid to weapons. Fighters will retain the ability to use current bombs and missiles of different classes, but the appearance of new weapons with enhanced characteristics is expected. Development is also possible. weapons "On new physical principles." First of all, issues of laser weapons are being studied.
Various survivability measures are proposed and discussed. For this, it is necessary to improve stealth technologies, develop new models of electronic warfare equipment, etc.
Expected Samples
The current status of work on the topic of 6 generation fighters is unknown. Apparently, Russian enterprises continue to research and search for solutions for the further development of real samples. The construction and testing of experimental equipment are referred to the medium term, but certain versions exist now.
Back in 2016, the commander of the VKS V. Bondarev made an extremely interesting statement. He pointed out that in the course of future modernization, the Su-57 fighter can gain new opportunities and thereby “change the generation”. This machine has a high modernization potential, which will be used in the future with positive results.
In foreign specialized publications, the version according to which the future sixth generation fighter is created as part of the program “Long-Range Interception Advanced Aviation Complex” (PAK DP) is of certain popularity. Its goal is to create a fighter-interceptor to replace the MiG-31, characterized by higher characteristics.
PAK DP (also known as the unofficial MiG-41 index) should show the high flight speed necessary for a quick exit to the missile launch line. He needs a perfect avionics with advanced detection tools and special missile weapons, possibly with increased firing range. The completion of the PAK DP program dates back to the mid-twenties.
The exact characteristics of PAK DP and the technical appearance of such a machine remain unknown. Nevertheless, the announced general information about the project allows us to attribute it, at least, to the modern 5 generation. At the same time, there is room for speculation in the direction of the next sixth generation. Confirm or refute this version until it fails due to lack of information.
In the context of the 6 generation of fighters, one can also consider the promising UAV C-70 "Hunter", which is currently undergoing flight tests. This machine is stealth, equipped with advanced avionics and is capable of carrying various weapons. Some features of the “Hunter” make you recall past statements about the requirements for new generation fighters. We can assume that the C-70 UAV is either the next step on the path to the 6 generation, or its first representative. He may be an unmanned participant in the future "flock."
It is impossible to say with certainty which generation the new samples will belong to. Su-57 after the upgrade can go from the fifth to the sixth; the same applies to the promising PAK DP. The status and prospects of the C-70 Hunter project are also a secret. So far, it’s only clear that work on advanced aviation technology is ongoing, and in the future 6 generation fighters may indeed appear in our country.
Likely opponent
It should be noted that work on sixth generation fighters is being conducted not only in our country. Other developed countries are also working on the future of their aircraft, and the results of such work are expected over the next few years. At the same time, some promising aircraft are already being demonstrated in the form of models.
In the USA, FX / NGAD projects for the Air Force and F / A-XX for the Navy are in the early stages. Their task is to create equipment that meets the general requirements for the 6 generation. The Air Force and Navy want to get manned and unmanned aircraft with enhanced performance and new combat capabilities. Serial production is planned to be launched in the late twenties.
Two projects are being created in Europe at once. France, Germany and Spain are working on the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) project. The shown model of such a machine is distinguished by its characteristic "inconspicuous" contours. Declared special features provided by the future avionics. FCAS will begin in the second half of the thirties.
In the same period, a Tempest fighter of international development may enter service. It is made by several companies from Great Britain, Italy and Sweden, united in a consortium Team Tempest. A mock-up of such a fighter is already being demonstrated, but the expected characteristics and capabilities are basically not specified.
Reserve for the future
Both in our country and abroad, work has already begun on the topic of future generation fighters. At the moment, all such projects are at the stage of theoretical study and the search for basic solutions. The construction and testing of real samples are related to the distant future. Production and operation will begin even later - not earlier than the mid-thirties. Such a technique can remain in service almost until the last decades of the current century.
The groundwork for such results in the future is being created right now. Leading countries are still engaged in theoretical research and show only models. In just a few years, more interesting new products in the form of real samples are waiting for us. Which country is faster to cope with the task, and which plane will be better than others - time will tell. Of the last News it follows that our country may turn out to be a leader in a whole direction.
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