Sixth Generation Fighter Aircraft

Categorization of fighter jets in generations is a classification system used around the world. The basic classification into five generations is widely accepted and recognized. Some accounts have subdivided the 4th generation into 4 and 4.5, or 4+ and 4++.

Sixth generation Fighter Aircraft

With the fifth generation slowly coming into service, attention is already turning to a replacement sixth generation. The requirements for such a fighter are already under debate in the drawing board stage. The fifth-generation abilities for battlefield survivability, air superiority and ground support will need to be enhanced and adapted to the future threat environment.

Development time and cost are likely to prove major factors in laying out practical roadmaps for 6^th generation aircraft. These aircraft may not be available for decades.

These aircraft could have features like hypersonic speed, dual-mode engines, and adaptive shapes.

At this stage it is not clear as to what extent drones and other remote unmanned technologies will be able to participate, either as satellite aircraft under a sixth generation command fighter, or even replacing the pilot in an autonomous or semi-autonomous command aircraft.

Studies such as the US F/A-XX program and UK-led BAE Systems Tempest are ongoing. Projects related to unmanned combat aircraft systems are in progress, such as the joint French- Swedish nEUROn, the UK’s BAE Taranis, Northrop Grumman’s X-47B and the US Navy’s follow-on UCLASS program. Similar unmanned combat aircraft projects are also underway in Russia and China.

References:

https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/top-sixth-generation-fighter-jets/

https://www.sldinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Air-Combat-Seminar-summary-AndrewMcL.pdf

https://www.fighterworld.com.au/az-of-fighter-aircraft/five-generations-of-jets

http://www.codeonemagazine.com/archives/2005/articles/oct_05/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_generation_fighter

https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/top-sixth-generation-fighter-jets/?utm_source=Army%20Technology&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Must%20Read&utm_content=Image

https://migflug.com/jetflights/fighter-jet-generations/

http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0182.shtml

Comments and value additions are most welcome

March 6, 2021September 27, 2021

Q & A Session Part 2: Talk at Technovanza of VJTI

The talk on “Modernisation and Technological advancement in IAF” at the annual Festival (Technovanza) of VJTI was followed by a Q & A session. The talk was for half an hour but the Q & A session went on for one hour. It was interesting to interact with the young college students. The students were very well informed, which was evident from the insightful and precise question asked by them. Overall it was an enjoyable experience.

Coming up: More of Q & A Session

March 5, 2021September 27, 2021

FIFTH GENERATION AIRCRAFT

Categorization of fighter jets in generations is a classification system used around the world. The basic classification into five generations is widely accepted and recognized. Some accounts have subdivided the 4th generation into 4 and 4.5, or 4+ and 4++.

Fifth generation jet fighters (2005 to date)

A fifth generation fighters include major technologies developed during the first part of the 21st century providing them a quantum improvement in their lethality and survivability. The characteristics of fifth-generation fighters are not universally agreed but as on date these are the most advanced fighters in operation.

The technologies that best epitomize fifth generation fighters are advanced integrated avionics systems that provide the pilot with a complete picture of the battle space and the use of low observable “stealth” techniques. They typically include agile airframes with super cruise performance, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the battle space for situation awareness and C³ (command, control and communications) capabilities.

Improved situational awareness is achieved through multi-spectral sensors located across all aspects of the airframe which allows the pilot to ‘look’ through the airframe of the aircraft without having to manoeuvre the ﬁghter to obtain a 360 degree picture.

These aircraft also have capability of operating in networked environment which allows them to receive, share and store information to enhance the battle space picture. Fifth generation ﬁghter capabilities are largely deﬁned by their software and it will be the ongoing development of their software that will ensure they maintain their edge against evolving threats.

Ffth generation aircraft allows the pilot to maintain decision superiority over an adversary. This provides greater chances of survivability, which when combined with eﬀective lethality, assures battle space dominance.