Global 6gen Sixth Generation Aircraft Projects (NGAD, F/A-XX, FCAS, GCAP, B-21, etc)

[Akshat]

I know EF was costly, but I know that F-18 was cheaper. We went for expensive rafale because it was more capable. Just because rafale was cheaper than EF, does not mean it was not super costly. Because it was costly its number was cut down to 36.

Again, MoD has officially stated that Rafale was cheaper.

Also, it has been officially stated that number was reduced because HAL failed to close the negotiations. You really need to upgrade your knowledge in defence issues.

 

[RonitBisht]

China's Rapid Advancements in Sixth-Generation Fighter Jet Technology​

China is making significant strides in developing its sixth-generation fighter jet, with a potential readiness goal of 2035. This ambitious timeline contrasts with concerns raised within the US Air Force regarding the cost of its own Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

Sixth-Generation Fighter Characteristics​

While still in development worldwide, sixth-generation fighters are expected to incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as:

• Advanced stealth capabilities
• Variable-cycle engines for increased efficiency and range
• Advanced human-systems integration for improved pilot performance
• Optional manning for potential unmanned missions
• Cutting-edge digital capabilities including artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber warfare capabilities

China's Progress and Timeline​

Since China's confirmation of pre-research into sixth-generation fighters in 2019, there have been increasing indicators of progress. Satellite imagery, statements from officials, and academic papers all point towards the development of a new fighter, possibly designated the J-XD.

Expert opinions on the timeline vary. While some predict a prototype flight by 2028, others suggest the late 2030s or early 2040s for a fully operational design. Regardless, there is a consensus that China is closing the technological gap rapidly.

Challenges and Opportunities​

Jet engine development has historically been a challenge for China, but advancements have been made. While China may continue to rely on Russian systems for refinement, its own WS engine series is expected to become increasingly capable.

The integration of AI and drone capabilities is a significant focus for China's sixth-generation fighter. Unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) and collaborative combat aircraft (CCAs) are expected to play a key role in future warfare scenarios.

The Global Context​

Sixth-generation fighter technology is a global race, with various countries investing heavily in research and development. The Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), involving companies from Italy, Japan, and the UK, is one example of international collaboration to share the financial burden of these advanced technologies.

China's rapid progress in developing a sixth-generation fighter has significant implications for the global balance of power. As the country continues to close the technological gap with the US and other leading powers, the competition in the aerospace sector is expected to intensify.

 

[Louis Clavier]

Global Combat Air Programme Unveils Evolved Concept for Next Generation Fighter Jet​

FARNBOROUGH, UK – A new era of aerial combat capabilities is on the horizon as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) reveals an advanced concept model of its next generation fighter jet at the Farnborough International Airshow.

This tri-national collaboration between the UK, Italy, and Japan is set to revolutionize air warfare with cutting-edge technology and unprecedented international cooperation.

A Leap Forward in Design and Capability​

The new concept model showcases a significant evolution from previous iterations, boasting an expanded wingspan to enhance aerodynamic performance. Engineers from BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan) have worked tirelessly under a collaborative agreement, leveraging digital tools like computer modeling and virtual reality to refine the design.

"The pace of the programme is extraordinary," said Guglielmo Maviglia, Chief Global Combat Air Programme Officer at Leonardo. "Each partner brings different, but complementary, qualities and requirements. We are now working closely together to exchange knowledge, address common challenges, and achieve common goals."

Technological Prowess for 2035 and Beyond​

Set to enter service in 2035, this fighter jet is poised to be one of the most advanced in the world. It will feature an intelligent weapons system, a software-driven interactive cockpit, integrated sensors, and a next generation radar capable of processing 10,000 times more data than current systems. This technological leap aims to give it a decisive advantage in future aerial combat scenarios.

"The new model, unveiled at Farnborough International Airshow, shows notable progress in the design and concepting of this future fighter jet," stated Herman Claesen, Managing Director, Future Combat Air Systems at BAE Systems.

International Collaboration with Long-Term Benefits​

GCAP represents a strategically important partnership that extends beyond military objectives. By fostering knowledge and technology transfer among the participating nations, it aims to cultivate sovereign combat air capabilities for each nation for generations to come. Additionally, the program is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs and promote economic growth across the UK, Italy, and Japan.

Hitoshi Shiraishi, Senior Fellow, GCAP at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, highlighted the unique value of this collaboration, stating, "Since GCAP is a three-country joint development programme...we expect to obtain better results and deeper knowledge than ever before by combining the different cultures, experiences and knowledge of the three industries involved."

 

[Bhartiya Sainik]

Dear older & newer members, some threads have been merged based on their same categories.
Now you can also attach pics, diagrams.

I tried to give the thread a small intro on 6gen aircrafts using some pics.
(https://defence.in/threads/global-6...gad-f-a-xx-fcas-gcap-b-21-etc.8791/post-31435)
There is also a comparison table b/w 4/5/6 gen jets.

You may refine it & repost it if you want.

 

[Oleg Olkha]

https://www.twz.com/air/air-force-s...dent-6th-gen-crewed-fighter-will-move-forward "Speaking at the Life Cycle Industry Days conference in Dayton, Ohio, Kendall explained that the pause of several months in the NGAD program was needed “to figure out whether we’ve got the right design and make sure we’re on the right course.” Refuting recent questions about the future of the program, the Secretary of the Air Force reiterated: “I’m absolutely confident we’re still going to do a sixth-generation crewed aircraft.” No one doubts... (smiley)

 

[Bhartiya Sainik]

6gen is expected to enter service in 2030s.
As per natural evolution, one day all 4gen F-15, 16, 18 will be retired from USAF & USN. That could be 2050s/60s.
But then what will replace them & in how many numbers?

Looking at Wiki data for a generic reference (may not be accurate), not incl. trainers :
(List of active United States Air Force aircraft - Wikipedia)
(List of active United States naval aircraft - Wikipedia)
4gen:
F-15 A/C = 168
F-15 Str.E = 219
F-15 EX = 8 (104 planned)
F-16C = 738
F18 E/F = 421 (+76 ordered)
EA-18 = 153

5gen:
F-22 = 187
F-35 A = 419 (1,372 planned)
F-35 C = 30 (+204 ordered)

Total 4gen in 2040s/50s = 168 + 219 + 112 + 738 + 497 + 153 = 1,887
Total 5gen in 2040s/50s = 187 + 419 + 234 = 840+

So the question is how many 6gen F/A-XX & NGAD, manned + UCAV?

A better question is what type of 6gen - heavy class F/A-XX + heavy class NGAD + medium class NGAD?
Is it going to be something like:
F-15 heavy class (168+219+112) > F-22 heavy class (187) + NGAD heavy class (??)
F-16 medium class (738) > F-35 A medium class (1,372) + NGAD medium class (??)
F-18 medium class (421+76+153) > F-35 C medium class (234+) + F/A-XX heavy class (??)

And even better question - will they have export versions?