What Are the Challenges in Developing Sixth Generation Fighter Jets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges and considerations in developing sixth generation fighter jets, including technological advancements, historical comparisons, and the implications of current military capabilities. Participants explore the future of air dominance and the evolution of fighter aircraft.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note that while technologies for sixth generation fighters are emerging, a cohesive program is necessary to integrate them effectively.
  • There is speculation about the potential capabilities of sixth generation fighters, with some suggesting they may function as mobile command centers or incorporate advanced unmanned technologies.
  • Concerns are raised about the combat readiness of current generation fighters like the F-22 and F-35, questioning the relevance of developing new models without understanding existing capabilities.
  • Some argue that the U.S. must maintain an edge over nations like Russia and China, which are developing fifth generation fighters, thus necessitating early planning for sixth generation capabilities.
  • Historical examples are cited, such as the rapid development of the P-51 Mustang, to argue that advancements can occur quickly under certain conditions, though others counter that the sixth generation will represent a significant leap in technology.
  • Participants express differing views on the expected timeline for sixth generation fighter development, with some suggesting it may not be realized until the 2030s.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of technological leaps, with some asserting that sixth generation fighters will differ fundamentally from current models, while others draw parallels to historical aircraft developments.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of views on the timeline, technological expectations, and the relevance of current fighter capabilities, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.

Contextual Notes

Some discussions hinge on assumptions about technological readiness and the historical context of aircraft development, which may not be universally accepted.

  • #31
MotoH said:
Oh really? They must not use any tech on the Lightning II that was on the Raptor. Apparently you have missed my point entirely. If something has been designed and has been proven to work well, why wouldn't you use it on another fighter with modifications to a specific application? What you are saying is that the F-35 is some revolutionary new piece of equipment, which it is not.
The F-22 is an AtoA fighter with ground capabilities, and the F-35 is a multirole suited more towards ground attacks. I never said the Lightning II was an F-22 with a new paint job, but a lot of the tech has been switched over, with some upgrades from the F-22 to the F-35.
No. I got your "point." They do use things developed in other programs. What you don't understand is that even with that and lessons learned from the F-22, the F-35 is a much larger scale program with 3 different variants including the STOL version which has a nozzle design that has never been used and a Naval variant. The F-22 has no variants. They are not similar aircraft by any means and there is absolutely nothing "easy" about the design or production.
 
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  • #32
I see what you are saying, and should have worded my first responses better.

The GE/Rolls-Royce lift system for the F-35B STOVL is pretty innovative, although the initial concept was borrowed from much earlier aircraft in the 60's and 70's.
 
  • #33
It took them 4 years to develop an atomic bomb. 5 years to break the sound barrier. 8 years to land on the freaking moon.

I'm SURE they could make a 6th generation fighter in less than 20 years, if they had the money and the motivation.

Hell, I'm sure we could achieve interstellar flight in less time, given the motivation (such as imminent destruction)
 

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