milWhy sixth generation fighters are more than just hype

The world of fighter jets is constantly evolving, as nations and firms compete to develop the most advanced and capable aircraft for air superiority and deterrence. However, the way we classify these fighters into generations is not always clear or consistent, and often depends on how they are marketed and perceived by the public and the media.

The term fifth generation, for example, was coined by the US Air Force to describe the F-22 Raptor, which was the first fighter to combine stealth, sensor fusion, supercruise, and supermaneuverability. These features gave the F-22 a significant edge over its rivals, and made it the undisputed king of the skies. However, other fighters, such as the F-35, the Su-57, and the J-20, were also labeled as fifth generation, even though they lacked some of the capabilities of the F-22. Moreover, China and Russia have their own generational classifications, which differ from the Western ones.

In recent years, however, a new term has emerged: sixth generation. Various nations and firms have claimed to be developing sixth generation fighters, such as the B-21 Raider, the NGAD, the FAXX, the Tempest, and the FCAS. But what makes these fighters so advanced that they warrant a new generational title, and what technologies do they incorporate?

In this article, I will explore some of the possible features and innovations of sixth generation fighters, based on a video by the YouTube channel Military Update, which provides a detailed summary of the concept and technologies of sixth generation fighters, and how they differ from previous generations.

Modular design and open system architecture

One of the features that could distinguish sixth generation fighters from their predecessors is the ability to upgrade and replace systems easily, without requiring major modifications or testing. This is known as modular design and open system architecture, and it could make these fighters more adaptable and versatile, as well as reduce the cost and time of maintenance and development.

Current fighters, such as the F-35, are difficult and expensive to upgrade, and often require custom fabrication and retrofitting. For example, the F-35 has been plagued by software issues and delays, and has faced criticism for its high price tag and low reliability. Moreover, these fighters are designed for specific roles and missions, and are not very flexible or interoperable.

Sixth generation fighters, on the other hand, could be designed to be part of a family of systems, which will include AI-enabled drone wingmen that can perform various tasks and extend the fighter’s capabilities. These drones could act as sensors, decoys, weapons, or communication nodes, and could be controlled by the fighter’s pilot or by a remote operator. They could also be swapped or upgraded depending on the mission requirements and the threat environment.

Ceramic-based radar absorbent materials

Another feature that could enhance the performance of sixth generation fighters is the use of ceramic-based radar absorbent materials (RAM) to reduce their radar signature and achieve better stealth. Modern stealth fighters use polymer-based RAM, which can absorb some of the electromagnetic energy emitted by radar arrays, and make the fighters less visible and detectable. However, these materials also face challenges such as maintenance, damage, and heat.

A new ceramic-based RAM, developed by a research team at North Carolina State University, could overcome these challenges, and offer several advantages over the polymer-based RAM. According to the researchers, the ceramic-based RAM can absorb more electromagnetic energy, withstand higher temperatures, and be more durable and water-resistant. This could enable fighters to fly faster, longer, and higher, and achieve better stealth performance.

Low frequency stealth and bomber-like design

Modern stealth fighters are designed to defeat high frequency radar arrays, which can guide missiles to a target, but are still vulnerable to low frequency radar arrays, which can provide early warning and detection. Low frequency radar can sometimes pick up a resonance from the fighter’s jet inlets and vertical tails, which can alert the enemy to its presence and direction.

The renders of sixth generation fighters from US-based firms omit these features, and adopt a bomber-like design, which could make them more difficult to detect and track by low frequency radar. These fighters have a large, flat, and smooth body, with no protruding parts or edges, and no visible jet inlets or vertical tails. They also have a blended wing body design, which integrates the wings and the fuselage into a single shape, and reduces the drag and the radar cross section.

European-based firms, however, use a different design, with all-moving V-tails, which could also reduce the resonance, but may not be enough to achieve low frequency stealth. These fighters have a more conventional shape, with a separate fuselage and wings, and visible jet inlets and vertical tails. They also have a canard configuration, which adds a pair of small wings near the nose, and improves the lift and the control.

Thrust vector control and active flow control

Another feature that could improve the maneuverability and control of sixth generation fighters is the use of thrust vector control and active flow control, especially at high altitudes and speeds. Thrust vector control is the ability to orient the jet’s thrust independently of the airframe, which can enable more aerobatic maneuvers and better stability. Active flow control is the ability to change the direction and the speed of the air flow around the wings and the body, which can increase the lift and the drag.

Current fighters, such as the F-22 and the Su-35, use thrust vector control to perform impressive maneuvers, such as the cobra, the kulbit, and the flat spin. However, these maneuvers are not very useful in combat, and can expose the fighter to enemy fire. Moreover, these fighters use mechanical nozzles to control the thrust, which can add weight and complexity, and reduce the stealth.

Sixth generation fighters could use more advanced and efficient methods of thrust vector control and active flow control, such as plasma actuators, fluidic thrust vectoring, and adaptive exhaust nozzles. These methods could use electric fields, air jets, or shape-shifting materials to control the thrust and the flow, and could be more lightweight, simple, and stealthy.

Conclusion

Sixth generation fighters are not just hype, but a real and exciting possibility for the future of air combat. These fighters could incorporate various features and technologies that could make them more adaptable, versatile, stealthy, and maneuverable, and give them an edge over their rivals. However, these features and technologies are not without challenges and limitations, and will require further research and development, as well as testing and evaluation, before they can be operationalized and deployed.

Moreover, these features and technologies are not the only factors that will determine the success and the dominance of these fighters. Other factors, such as the human factor, the operational factor, and the strategic factor, will also play a crucial role in the outcome of any air conflict. Therefore, it is important to not overestimate or underestimate the potential and the impact of these fighters, and to keep a balanced and realistic perspective on their capabilities and limitations.