Despite debates over the requirement and cost of such a high-tech enterprise, the UK is pushing the boundaries of aerial battle technology with its “7th-generation” warrior job.
Although the name” crystal-generation combat air system” may be outdated by the time the warrior is unveiled, according to Breaking Defense, which published a report this quarter.
Mike Baulkwill, director of BAE Systems Combat Air Strategy, stated that aircraft are continuously evolving and that generation after generation will “forever change” through software changes and so-called circular developments.
Through their Future Combat Air System (FCAS ) initiative, which is a component of the Global Combat Air Program ( GCAP ), BAE Systems and its UK partners Leonardo, MBDA, and Rolls-Royce are currently developing a 6th-generation combat air capability. It is anticipated to start operating in 2035.
Breaking Defense claims that BAE Systems presented its” Combat Air Continuum” strategy, which describes the company’s vision for the upcoming 25 times of airpower and where it will participate in R&, D.
The company plans to refer to it as the” following epoch,” which will see the development of autonomous collaborative platforms (ACP), also known as loyal companion drones, in the near future.
These tools will assist the 4-generation Eurofighter Typhoon, one of which, have a longer duration. Additionally, BAE Systems mentioned that it has just released its most recent ideas regarding the potential form of its attritable ACP venture.
However, company representatives made the suggestion that a scale model that was originally presented might not accurately reveal a final design. With domestic payload bays and intermodal storage for various payloads, the ACP could have land or maritime variations.
When it comes to the development of 7th– technology fighters, Peter Suciu notes in an essay for The National Interest ( Personnel ) this month that the form may have even more advanced technologies, possibly leading to fully autonomous, robotic fight platforms.
Suciu mentions that military technology advancements are generally biological, building on previous achievement. The B- 21 Raider, now in creation, is based on the powerful B- 2 Nature and features a traveling wing design.
He says most 6th- generation fighter designs have focused on what worked with 5th- generation aircraft, such as the F- 22 and F- 35, and have gone much further.
He mentions that tanks like the M1 Abrams and bombers like the B- 52 Stratofortress have been steadily upgraded. In contrast, fighter jets have not, explaining the longevity of the former platforms.
Compared to the F-22, which is scheduled to be replaced by the upcoming 6th-generation Next Generation Air Dominance ( NGAD ) platform despite only entering service in 2005, the former platforms first started operating in the 1950s and 1980s, respectively.
Suciu suggests that 7th-generation fighters could be developed as a response to the capabilities of 6th-generation fighters, incorporating both their best qualities and additional, undefined capabilities that would predate previous generations.
Suciu contends that society needs to address ethical, moral, and legal issues brought on by seventh-generation fighters who have advanced autonomous technology.
He claims that because of the costs involved, the need for standard requirements, and the economic necessity to maximize exports to cover costs, the production of the seventh-generation fighters will be a Western multinational collaboration.
Suciu points out that while technology is expanding rapidly, allowing materials to be printed and computer-aided design ( CAD ) can also speed up development, but that cost will continue to be a factor.
However, Brandon Weichert makes the claim as reported by Breaking Defense in March 2024, taking into account an evolutionary approach to military hardware and the risks associated with technological leapfrogging.
Andrew Hunter, the head of US Air Force acquisition, referred to the F-22 as the “foundation” of airpower in the face of fiercer competition from China and stressed that it is crucial until the NGAD is operational.
Breaking Defense mentions , that the US Air Force initially planned to retire 32 older F- 22s but the US Congress blocked the move, leading to a discussion about reallocating funds for modernization. Hunter suggested upgrading the fleet’s other Raptors with the funds.
Task and Purpose reported this month that the F-22 fleet will undergo a$ 22 billion upgrade over the upcoming decade, which could allow the aircraft to remain in service until the 2040s.
According to Task and Purpose, the F-22 will be given new aviation systems, including cutting-edge avionics like helmet-mounted sights and cutting-edge data links. Further upgrades will include stealthy external fuel tanks, the top- secret AIM- 260 air- to- air missile, infrared sensor pods and a new electronic warfare suite.
At a time when China is using its J-20 stealth fighters in greater numbers, maintaining air superiority over the Taiwan Strait is crucial for US defense of the self-governing island.
The F-22’s range advantage over the Taiwan Strait would be mitigated by the stealthy fuel tanks, and the new infrared sensor pods aim to preserve the aircraft’s first-look, first-shot capability. The latest electronic warfare suite, meanwhile, would increase the F- 22’s survivability against enemy missiles.
Task and Purpose notes that 142 F- 22s will get these upgrades, with those kits addressing corrosion, reducing maintenance hours, increasing safety and providing urgent response requirements.
While 142 upgraded F- 22s may not seem like much against China’s growing 5th- generation fighter fleet, the AIM- 260 missile, which has active radar homing, an estimated Mach 5 speed and a 200- 400 kilometer range, could be a decisive edge.
Task and Purpose points out, however, that it will take a lot of time and money to upgrade these F-22s so that they can be used to build more powerful fighters. Additionally, it raises concerns that the F-22 might be rendered ineffective by the time the upgrades are finished.