The major air forces of the world are now developing or looking to acquire next-generation fighter aircraft that will give them superiority in the air combat domain for years to come. Countries are searching for next-generation fighter jet capabilities as digital and inventive technologies emerge and become more widely used.
Airforce Technology lists some of the world’s major sixth-generation fighter aircraft under development.
F/X or Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter jet
The US Air Force (USAF) is seemingly ahead of its counterparts in the race for the development of a six-generation fighter aircraft.
In March 2018, the US Air Force Research Laboratory unveiled a concept of the F/X, a next-generation aircraft that would have a sleek, stealthy design with a high-energy laser that could slice through adversary aircraft in half.
The upcoming aircraft is anticipated to have a longer range, larger payloads, and the capacity to transport hypersonic weapons. It is also known as Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) or Penetrating Counter Air.
The USAF has not yet chosen the manufacturer for the six-generation fighter aircraft and information about the capabilities of the F/X in the public domain is currently not available. The USAF intends to create advanced capabilities under the NGAD program, such as connected air combat systems, including fighter aircraft, drones, and networked platforms.
The program, which aims to increase air superiority, could see the F/X fighters deliver greatly improved stealth capabilities and cooperate with unmanned vehicles.
A prototype of the new fighter plane is said to have just been designed, built, and tested by the USAF. In one year, the demonstrator was built and flown. The prototype’s creator is still unknown, although it is known that advanced manufacturing techniques were employed to create it.
The fighter jet could join the USAF earlier than 2030 if the development advances quickly thanks to reduced procedures and the application of technology.
Future Combat Air System (FCAS)
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS), a collaborative project of Germany, France, and Spain, will produce a next-generation fighter (NGF), which will function in a manned-unmanned teaming formation with attack and observation drones, referred to as “remote carriers.”
A combat cloud that is powered by artificial intelligence will connect all of the manned and unmanned components (AI). The air forces will be able to deploy the remote carriers in dangerous areas to deal with threats while operating the FCAS sixth-generation aircraft at a safe stand-off distance.
The aircraft’s active and passive stealth technologies will improve its survivability, while its superior avionics and sensor package will improve situational awareness.
The fighter jet’s strong engine and sophisticated flight control system will also provide it more maneuverability, speed, and range.
To assure improved firepower, the aircraft will be equipped with innovative effectors, such as stand-off kinetic loads, directed energy weapons, and electronic warfare capabilities.
The French and German governments awarded a joint concept study (JCS) contract to Dassault Aviation and Airbus in February 2019 for the FCAS program.
In February 2020, Dassault, Airbus, and other partners were awarded the program’s Demonstrator Phase 1A framework contract. The NGF’s principal partner and primary contractor is Dassault. For the remote carriers and the combat Cloud system, Airbus will work with MBDA, Thales, and Safran, and MTU Aero Engines will work on the engines. The current schedule calls for prototype testing to start in 2026 and service entrance to happen in 2040.
MiG-41 interceptor aircraft
The upcoming interceptor MiG-41 from Russia, also known as PAK-DP, will be able to fly at exceptionally high altitudes and speeds greater than Mach 4. The long-range interceptor MiG-41 is promoted as the MiG-31 interceptor’s replacement.
The fighter, which is being created by Mikoyan (MiG), will be equipped with an interceptor missile system that will allow it to intercept hypersonic missiles.
The aircraft could be modified to create an unmanned variant in the future. The new interceptor is expected to be equipped with long-range air-to-air missiles, advanced target search and detection equipment, and stealth technology.
The Russian Air Force is anticipated to induct the MiG-41 in the 2030s.
Tempest
A future combat aircraft is at the heart of the next-generation combat air system known as Tempest. The Tempest fighter jet project was started by Britain in 2018 and involves Sweden, Italy, and the UK working together.
In 2035, the combat aircraft will replace the Typhoon fighter in service with the Royal Air Force (RAF).
It will have an adaptable architecture appropriate for a variety of operations, with the ability to switch out hardware and software as needed to meet mission requirements.
A sophisticated flight control system, improved survivability, and scaleable autonomy are further important qualities.
The aircraft will serve the RAF for the next 60 years and will be equipped with cutting-edge technologies including future wearable cockpits that utilize gaming technology, eye-tracking technology, and augmented reality.
The aircraft will also feature stealth, optional manning, directed-energy weapons, and hypersonic missiles. Armed forces will have a complete view of the upcoming battlespace because to the aircraft’s capacity to exchange data with other platforms.
Drones will be controlled via swarming technologies, and the Cooperative Engagement Capability will allow the platforms to work together during offensive or defensive missions. A multi-function radiofrequency system, a cutting-edge radar system being created for Tempest, will be able to offer over 10,000 times more data than current systems.
It will deliver a significant advantage in combat situations through the ability to locate and target enemy platforms beforehand.
BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, MBDA, and Leonardo are among the companies working on the future fighter jet’s development in the sector. In July 2020, the Tempest aircraft’s 3D model was unveiled.
China’s future fighter aircraft
China is developing a new fighter plane that will include sixth-generation features like the ability to control drones, stealth, and AI. Future planes may also be equipped with laser, swarm warfare, and hypersonic weapons.
In comparison to the nation’s J-20 and J-31 aircraft, the new aircraft will have better capabilities. By 2035, it is anticipated to be operationally ready. By conducting a flow field test for an unnamed new aircraft, a 6,620t wind tunnel that was constructed to support the program for new fighter aircraft went into service in May 2020.