US Air Force begins designing next-generation NGAD fighter

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US Air Force begins designing next-generation NGAD fighter

NGAD fighter concept with laser weapons. Northrop Grumman graphics

The Pentagon has revealed new details of work on the promising NGAD (Next-Generation Air Dominance) program. Right now, the participants are starting the full-fledged development of the future 6th generation fighter, and later they will begin to prepare the production of an experimental machine. They plan to spend several years on these works, thanks to which serial aircraft may appear in combat units before the end of the decade.

According to official data


The NGAD "next generation fighter" development program was launched in 2015. Over the next few years, the US Air Force and its contractors conducted various studies and determined the requirements for the future aircraft, its optimal appearance, etc. In September 2020, it became known that a certain technology demonstrator was built and tested in the air as part of the program. At the same time, the full development of the future aviation complex did not begin.



New information about the NGAD project was announced on June 1 during the conference of the American Heritage Foundation. Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall III spoke at the event. The Defense News publication cites his most interesting statements on the topic of the 6th generation fighter.

According to the minister, now the NGAD project is moving to the stage of "engineering, manufacturing and development" (engineering, manufacturing and development - EMD). During these activities, a technical project will be completed, according to which the first prototype aircraft will then be built. The result of the begun stage will be the launch of mass production and the receipt of equipment by the troops, followed by initial operational readiness (initial operating capability - IOC).


US Air Force NGAD variant

Technical details of the program were not given, but the minister revealed some other interesting data. So, F. Kendall confirmed that NGAD is still considered not as a specific aircraft, but as a family of systems or aviation complex. Several models of aviation equipment will be created on a single platform and common solutions. In particular, it is planned to develop a manned fighter and an unmanned "faithful wingman" for joint use with it.

Timing problem


The minister also drew attention to the timing of the work. According to him, it usually takes about seven years from the launch of EMD on new aircraft to initial readiness. Since the start of NGAD, this period has already passed, but so far it has only been about preliminary studies. Now development begins, and you can count the years until the completion of the project. F. Kendell expects IOC to be achieved already this decade.

At the same time, the minister is not satisfied with the current deadlines for the completion of work. He would like new developments to go through all stages of development faster and get into the troops. So, in the current system, the development of a new product begins with experiments and demonstrations of technology - and only after that the full-fledged design starts. F. Kendall stated that he was "not interested in demonstrations and experiments" unless they were vital to the project.


Promising fighter in Boeing promotional materials

It is necessary to move on to design as soon as possible, which will allow you to quickly get all the desired results. A similar approach, according to the minister, is now required in several promising areas. For example, it is necessary to speed up work on UAVs to accompany manned aircraft.

Whether these ideas and proposals relate to the NGAD aviation complex is not reported. At the same time, it should be taken into account that this project is very complex and has so far been in the early research stages. Probably now it will not be accelerated - for obvious reasons.

Secret developments


The Minister of the Air Force has revealed general information about ongoing work, but the most interesting data about the NGAD program is still closed. Only some features of the project are known, while the exact requirements, the composition of the family, the appearance of aircraft, etc. have not been revealed yet. In addition, it has not yet been reported on the holding of the competitive stage and the selection of one of the contractors.

However, the Air Force already presents an approximate price level for new equipment. In April, F. Kendall told Congress that the basic NGAD family fighter would cost hundreds of millions of dollars - more than any other modern combat aircraft or UAV.


The aircraft and the driven UAV. Boeing Graphics

According to known data, the aircraft-platform of modular architecture will become the basis of the family. It will be a stealth supersonic aircraft with the ability to integrate the cockpit/pilots or install an advanced AI autopilot. It is assumed that it is for NGAD that a new “adaptive” engine is being developed, the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP).

The exact appearance of the aircraft, capable of meeting the requirements of the Pentagon, remains unknown. In open publications, images of a twin-engine "flying wing" with internal cargo compartments appear. The manned and unmanned versions differ externally only in the presence of a cockpit lantern.

First of all, the complex includes a 6th generation manned fighter-bomber, which is similar in its functions to existing machines, but surpasses them in performance. UAVs for reconnaissance and strike purposes should also appear, capable of working one by one or in a group, incl. under the control of the aircraft. It is obvious that representatives of the NGAD family will be able to interact with other types of equipment, as well as work in the general control loops of interspecific groupings.


One of the variants of the fighter, studied at the Air Force Laboratory. United States Air Force graphics

Different members of the family will receive one or another target equipment, radio systems and weapons. In particular, a new generation of electronic equipment is required, such as an advanced set of lighting equipment.

At the first stage, NGAD will have to carry existing weapons - guided bombs and missiles of current and advanced types. In the future, integration is not excluded weapons "on new physical principles". If the industry can solve the relevant technical problems, fighters and UAVs will be armed with lasers or other special means.

Breakthroughs and difficulties


In general, we can talk about a number of technical, technological and tactical breakthroughs. However, there is still no official information about the features and capabilities of the future NGAD family, and this seriously complicates realistic forecasts and estimates.

It is likely that the real project will be simpler and more modest than the assumptions made. During the previous research stage, the Air Force and industry had to determine the reality of certain proposals and wishes, as well as clarify the final tactical and technical task. Some requirements could be abandoned or postponed to a later date due to excessive complexity.


NGAD by an artist from Lockheed Martin

In addition to technical tasks, the Air Force and contractors will have to solve tactical and operational issues. First of all, it will be necessary to create and work out methods for the joint operation of manned aircraft and UAVs. A number of experimental "faithful followers" have already been created and are being tested. Apparently, the experience of these projects will be taken into account in the unmanned part of the NGAD program.

Recent statements by the Minister of the Air Force may indicate that the main theoretical issues of the NGAD program were successfully resolved during the previous research phase. Such successes provide an opportunity to move to EMD, and also allow you to estimate the timing of all the following works. At the same time, the Pentagon is showing some optimism and believes that the new project will take as much time as the previous ones.

Generational change


Thus, the US Air Force continues to purchase modern fighters and is already working on next-generation aircraft. Moreover, a complex long-term project, which has special requirements, started several years ago and has managed to pass the first stages by now.

Now the Pentagon and contractors are launching a full-fledged development, as well as drawing up a work schedule for the foreseeable future. A new aircraft may appear, pass tests, enter the series and enter the troops before the end of the decade. Of course, if the plans of the Ministry of the Air Force are realistic, and the industry will cope with their implementation. At the same time, it can be expected that the Pentagon and industry will soon begin to publish new interesting data on a promising project.
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  1. -2
    6 June 2022 18: 06
    what Here someone is itching.
    1. +3
      6 June 2022 19: 02
      NGAD (Next-Generation Air Dominance)
      in translation "New generation air supremacy" I understand that with the word of the new generation they announced the :e generation, but even TTT is not yet for him. In general, it was possible to add at the end that later they would take up the development of the 7th generation. Here they immediately operate on generations. so for advertising.
      1. +1
        6 June 2022 19: 17
        A fighter for dominating the dominators who dominated other dominators, dominating those in the air, and a lightsaber with a bow to boot. In general, "saw, Shura, saw."
  2. -3
    6 June 2022 18: 10
    We are also developing, like they wrote about it. It is important that the 6th generation Russian fighter be also in the vertical take-off variant. Thus, survivability in the event of a conflict will increase dramatically, since they can be used outside airfields. In addition, as an option on ships instead of a helicopter (to increase radar visibility).
    1. +18
      6 June 2022 18: 19
      It is important that the Russian aircraft not be in the amount of 10 pieces, while the enemy already has 800 of them. When we have these 75 pack fa, they will have 3000 of the 5th generation and 200-300 already of the 6th!
      1. +5
        6 June 2022 18: 23
        Quote: Gayver
        It is important that the Russian aircraft not be in the amount of 10 pieces, while the enemy already has 800 of them. When we have these 75 pack fa, they will have 3000 of the 5th generation and 200-300 already of the 6th!

        I read that the Aerospace Forces consider the need for combat aircraft to be 750 pieces. And these are bombers, attack aircraft, etc. So with 3000 of them, we are not going to compete in numbers. Yes, we need more and faster, but 1 to 1 we will not be able to compete with the United States and NATO in combat aircraft.
        1. +6
          6 June 2022 18: 24
          Yes, at least 1 to 10 would be built
    2. -8
      6 June 2022 21: 16
      no. The F-35 STOL has already made everyone laugh. we don't need this
      1. +2
        6 June 2022 21: 44
        Quote: Sadok
        no. The F-35 STOL has already made everyone laugh. we don't need this


        They laugh not from the plane - but according to the manuals that they handed out to all comedians.
        F-35B is a smart car.
        And the pilots are crazy about her.
        1. -3
          6 June 2022 22: 15
          Is it? It seems that there were very critical articles here, both F35 and F22.
          1. +3
            7 June 2022 11: 14
            Quote from Starr.
            Is it? It seems that there were very critical articles here, both F35 and F22.


            A critical article could be here if it was written by Bongo - then yes, it could be worthy of attention.
            All other creatures of permanent author - such as Ryabov and other Mitrofanovs - do not affect the real situation.

            And the fact that in the news - without authorship - there is a deliberate distortion of information, and "throwing manure on the fan" in the form of complete gag, from unnamed translators - this is immediately obvious, because such articles are really interested in people immediately find in the original source.
        2. -3
          6 June 2022 22: 24
          this flying stool is inferior to the aircraft of the 60s in all performance characteristics. Only harrier pilots can be delighted with it, but in a real war, floating barges aka aircraft carriers will go to the bottom first, along with all the stools on board.
          1. +6
            6 June 2022 22: 49
            this flying stool is inferior to the aircraft of the 60s in all performance characteristics.

            If the conversation turns to flying (even stools), then they compare performance characteristics fool
            It doesn't really look like a "stool"

            1. 0
              19 August 2022 15: 52
              Harrier seems to be more confident in taking off and landing softer, right?
              1. 0
                19 August 2022 16: 21
                So the mass and the principle are completely different.
          2. 0
            16 September 2022 10: 43
            floating barges aka aircraft carriers will go to the bottom first, along with all the stools on board.

            If they stand in a row, turn off the protection systems and activate the guidance beacons? Then for sure.
            You could also beat the reigning world boxing champion. If he is tied to a wall or a chair, of course. No.
            Understand: you would have to beat one AUG all Russian fleet. And there are 10-11 such aircraft carrier groups. They will not be substituted when approaching the shore.
            The ocean is incredibly large, it is difficult to see something in it even for the United States and China, despite the fact that they have 3,5 and 2 times larger satellite constellations compared to ours. But AB has up to 10 guard ships first rank, 4 modern AWACS aircraft and 70 carrier-based aircraft / helicopters. In the ocean, it is invulnerable and dangerous on the crane.
        3. +5
          7 June 2022 08: 51
          The old truth, you can’t do it yourself - crap the work of another and it will become easier on your soul)
    3. +3
      6 June 2022 21: 42
      Quote: Lt. Air Force stock
      We are also developing, like they wrote about it. It is important that the 6th generation Russian fighter be also in the vertical take-off variant. Thus, survivability in the event of a conflict will increase dramatically, since they can be used outside airfields. In addition, as an option on ships instead of a helicopter (to increase radar visibility).


      A modern aircraft requires ten times more special vehicles, special units, components and mechanisms for pre-flight and post-flight maintenance.
      Also, he needs more hours for this training.

      What is the point in the survivability of the aircraft - if there is no survivability of the service infrastructure? Without which the plane simply becomes incapacitated?
      1. +1
        7 June 2022 14: 42
        Not quite so, and the Swedes and the British are an example of this.
        Modern helicopters and airplanes dramatically simplify the load on the rear and training. For example, all machines with built-in APUs and oxygen and nitrogen generators, modular electronic equipment and maintenance according to condition, robotization of equipment processes and the transition to electrification of basic systems, higher reliability and enhanced development electromechanical chassis for aircraft and other systems, the number of ground equipment is sharply decreasing, in fact, only refueling and armament suspension are going on.
        1. +2
          7 June 2022 15: 13
          Quote: merkava-2bet
          Not quite so, and the Swedes and the British are an example of this.
          Modern helicopters and airplanes dramatically simplify the load on the rear and training. For example, all machines with built-in APUs and oxygen and nitrogen generators, modular electronic equipment and maintenance according to condition, robotization of equipment processes and the transition to electrification of basic systems, higher reliability and enhanced development electromechanical chassis for aircraft and other systems, the number of ground equipment is sharply decreasing, in fact, only refueling and armament suspension are going on.


          The same Swedes, when creating several generations of their "Base with numbers", initially did everything systematically.
          Systemically, the machines were designed for the possibility of forest maintenance.
          Systematically, the BAO equipment was designed for the same.
          Sites on the roads were systematically designed with the possibility of basing both aircraft and equipment there.
          And people were preparing to work in the forest.
          And a bunch of fuel has already been placed in the forest and generators for it.
          Which once a week the crawler inspects and once every 2 weeks restarts the components and assemblies.
          That is, it was a huge and systematic work.
          And only when all parts of the system, like a simple puzzle, are initially designed and assembled easily - only then will there be any sense.
          And when at least one component fails, the whole system crumbles and becomes inoperable.
  3. 0
    6 June 2022 18: 15
    . They plan to spend several years on these works, thanks to which serial aircraft may appear in combat units before the end of the decade.
    . So even the fifth generation was not brought to mind, readiness was not achieved in the volume that was declared when the very concept of the product was presented.
    And what now, they will quickly put together what has not been done, add something new for the lure, and again .... DO NOT DO IT?
    However, the dough will master a lot, it's a fact.
  4. +3
    6 June 2022 18: 16
    In general, we can talk about a number of technical, technological and tactical breakthroughs.

    In general, this crap is cleaner Faust Goethe SDI programs ... For decades it has been possible to “break through” the budget, even though money is being printed at home ...
    First you need to acquire AI ... Otherwise, it will turn out like with Turkish Bayraktars ... feel
    1. 0
      7 June 2022 12: 19
      Until a flight computer of sufficiently high power appears with the beginnings of self-learning and the possibility of independent combat, the 6th generation is an advertising ploy
  5. -6
    6 June 2022 18: 17
    In the confrontation between air defense and aviation, air defense wins. Manned aircraft in combat operations does not make much sense. This is just a missile delivery vehicle for future use. Maybe someone will say the purpose of the 6th generation fighter-bomber in the confrontation with a developed power. And against the bashi-bazouks and the current aviation is enough. This promotion is more like a PR, so as not to be left without work.
    1. +5
      6 June 2022 19: 18
      Quote: Konnick
      In the confrontation between air defense and aviation, air defense wins.

      Controversial thesis.

      Quote: Konnick
      Manned aircraft in combat operations does not make much sense.

      This is more like the truth.

      Quote: Konnick
      Maybe someone will say the purpose of the 6th generation fighter-bomber in the confrontation with a developed power.

      It may well become completely unmanned. Without any "faithful followers".
    2. 0
      6 June 2022 20: 04
      Air defense has a defensive advantage. But it’s more difficult on foreign territory + aviation is much more mobile, so it’s debatable about superiority.

      And the purpose is simple - not to stop developing, so as not to lag behind competitors. If you think about it, the fifth generation is not particularly advisable, but nevertheless, all developed countries are sawing it or trying to cut it.
    3. Des
      +1
      6 June 2022 20: 35
      They try not to enter the air defense coverage area, you are absolutely right. This is still visible in the SVO. + to you.
      1. -2
        6 June 2022 22: 00
        They try not to enter the air defense coverage area,

        The main thing is that the 6th generation fighter-bomber be able to launch NARs from a pitch-up ...
    4. +6
      6 June 2022 21: 48
      "In the confrontation between air defense and aviation, air defense wins" ///
      ---
      In opposition obsolete aviation and air defense
      wins air defense.
  6. +4
    6 June 2022 18: 20
    As I understand it, the main feature of the 6th generation aircraft, which we have already decided on, is its exorbitant cost. Well, all other performance characteristics will be formed according to the principle: "God only knows what will happen."
    1. +2
      6 June 2022 19: 22
      Quote: Nafanya from the couch
      As I understand it, the main feature of the 6th generation aircraft, which we have already decided on, is its exorbitant cost. Well, all other performance characteristics will be formed according to the principle: "God only knows what will happen."

      All according to the best American standards laughing
  7. +1
    6 June 2022 18: 26
    By the year 40, maybe they’ll draw something, but with production fellow request fellow
  8. 0
    6 June 2022 18: 53
    as a family of systems or an aviation complex.

    In short, the Pentagon is sculpting a new penguin! One platform for both the Air Force and the Navy and the Marines is still an unmanned version, possibly a reconnaissance, even a tanker laughing and all on one platform)
    1. 0
      7 June 2022 08: 54
      Well, it’s better, of course, to have a situation like, for example, in the Russian Federation in the form of a “hodgepodge” in tank troops.
    2. +1
      7 June 2022 14: 46
      But is it bad, a unified platform, land forces use it widely and the fleet is pulling up.
  9. -3
    6 June 2022 19: 11
    I do not understand the meaning of the prospects for IA today.
    All similar tasks can be performed by UAVs.
    The cost of pilot training is crazy, and the exhaust is single. Air defense will also be improved.
    1. 0
      7 June 2022 08: 55
      Apparently not all tasks yet. But of course, strike UAVs will dominate purely quantitatively
  10. 0
    6 June 2022 19: 17
    The big cut of the dough continues laughing laughing laughing
    1. +1
      6 June 2022 19: 24
      What interest do we have before their cuts? We have our sawflies up to one vegetable.
      1. 0
        6 June 2022 20: 43
        Well, in vain ... the more they cut, the better for us
  11. -2
    6 June 2022 19: 37
    The wing aircraft is an unpromising machine due to low maneuverability.
    So we will answer this "Gada" with new physical principles :)))
  12. +1
    6 June 2022 20: 20
    pew pew pew...
    Tra-ta-ta-ta-ta!
  13. PPD
    0
    6 June 2022 21: 00
    Are they sure that their ideas about what kind of cars are needed in the future are correct? There are a lot of beautiful words - what are the specifics?
    1. 0
      6 June 2022 21: 51
      Are they sure that their ideas about what kind of cars are needed in the future are correct?

      They are sure. And ours are sure that they are following in their footsteps, only with a delay of 20-30 years.
  14. +3
    6 June 2022 22: 15
    These pictures and data are already a year old.
    Naturally, everyone is working, giving out projects, ideas, directions...
    the Americans built something trial, over there, recently ....

    And Putin helped them a lot on the 24th, now much more money will pour into projects.

    IMHO, the description and the price are more suitable for a heavy missile carrier fighter.
  15. +1
    6 June 2022 23: 49
    In the first two pictures, the air intakes will be in an aerodynamic shadow at high angles of attack, which can lead to surge. Maneuverability will not work. Such a scheme is only for a bomber.
  16. +1
    7 June 2022 08: 33
    US Air Force begins designing next-generation NGAD fighter

    Very expensive thing and operation will also not be cheap. The USA is gradually losing world domination. Whether they will be able to pull its production in the future is a question.
  17. 0
    7 June 2022 10: 18
    Quote: SovAr238A
    Quote: Sadok
    no. The F-35 STOL has already made everyone laugh. we don't need this


    They laugh not from the plane - but according to the manuals that they handed out to all comedians.
    F-35B is a smart car.
    And the pilots are crazy about her.

    and Yak-38 is just handsome
  18. -3
    7 June 2022 19: 54
    As long as the still Soviet operation continues to work, thanks to which the United States tends to focus on anecdotal "stealth", you can not take a steam bath. It will be another flying brick for fucking bucks, a worthy successor to the F 35 tradition. That's when they come to their senses ...
  19. 0
    16 June 2022 03: 09
    It is not clear what is new in this new generation. The tactics of group interaction is also already a very old development.
  20. 0
    17 July 2022 23: 01
    What will be its maneuverability without vertical planes?
  21. 0
    19 August 2022 15: 39
    the new hawk will make the difference in price with the previous one as a transition from the Phantom to the F 18, i.e. from lyama to 18 million approximately.

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