What Are the Challenges in Developing Sixth Generation Fighter Jets?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the challenges of developing Sixth Generation Fighter Jets, with a focus on the need for advanced technologies and integration programs. Key figures such as Secretary of the Air Force Michael B. Donley and USAF Chief of Staff Gen. Norton A. Schwartz emphasize the urgency of developing these capabilities for future air dominance. Participants highlight the transition from manned to unmanned systems, the historical context of fighter jet development, and the bureaucratic hurdles that complicate the design and production processes. The consensus is that the Sixth Generation Fighter will require a significant technological leap and is unlikely to be realized before the 2030s.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of military aviation history, particularly the evolution from the F-22 to the F-35.
  • Familiarity with unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAV) and their implications for future air combat.
  • Knowledge of CAD systems and their role in modern aircraft design and production.
  • Awareness of the bureaucratic and regulatory challenges in military aircraft development.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the technological advancements in unmanned systems and their integration into future fighter jets.
  • Explore the historical development timelines of previous fighter jets, focusing on the F-22 and F-35.
  • Investigate the impact of CAD and modern manufacturing techniques on aircraft design efficiency.
  • Examine the geopolitical implications of sixth generation fighters in relation to global military capabilities, particularly in Russia and China.
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, military strategists, defense contractors, and aviation enthusiasts interested in the future of air combat and the technological advancements shaping the next generation of fighter jets.

  • #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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