What Are the Challenges in Developing Sixth Generation Fighter Jets?

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The discussion centers on the development of sixth-generation fighter capabilities, highlighting the need for a cohesive program to integrate emerging technologies. Current U.S. fighters, such as the F-22 and F-35, have not yet seen extensive combat use, raising questions about their readiness and the rationale for advancing to a new generation. The sixth-generation fighter is expected to incorporate unmanned systems and advanced capabilities, but significant technological leaps will be necessary before production can begin, likely not until the 2030s. The conversation also touches on the challenges of modern aircraft design, emphasizing the complexity of production processes compared to historical examples. Overall, the future of air dominance relies on innovation and the ability to stay ahead of global competitors like Russia and China.
  • #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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