AMCA - Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (HAL)

[Kumata]

It should have happened earlier. Anyhow, this has not happened for a long long times. So let us hope that we invest enough to get our indig engine. We have recently developed many critical technologies. We should aim to make our own engine operational between 2025 to 2030. I am sure that we can make it happen. Now new fan design is freezes. Thermal coating is developed. New afterburner is made. Many building blocks are in place now. Integrating them should get us a very good engine. A sustainable effort is required now. As once said, we have done 70 %work. 30% more need to be done. Let us do it.

IMO Our limitation is advancements in metallurgical technologies...

 

[scatterStorm]

From this discussion in the ORCA thread, i got a weird idea.
View attachment 46320
Moving AMCA's horizontal tailplanes forward to form canards, while making the vertical fins rotatable, that can change its angle as required... No extra surfaces to increase RCS, but reduced drag & increased lift at level flight, improved maneuverability.
View attachment 46343

Tagging @Kuntal @Chinmoy @Karthi @porky_kicker

Not an aerodynamic expert, canards will surely increase the low speed aspects and nose authority. But with that tail configuration of YF23, you are practically overkilling the pitch authority and low speeds, this design would be hell of a fuel efficient to be very frank, and would be better suited for naval operations, let the initial configuration be for Airforce.

 

[Bleh]

But with that tail configuration of YF23, you are practically overkilling the pitch authority and low speeds, this design would be hell of a fuel efficient to be very frank.

Not exactly Yf-23 or Tempest tail-configuration, as their fins cant flip places. Canards too are optional.

Check out the updated version in Fanart & Concept Art thread. (link)
Edit: Forget it. I will just repost here. @patriots will you post it on twitter?

Decreased RCS & drag from no vertical fins as well as icreased lift at level flight. Better STR, possibly roll-rate too. More control due to adjustable tail, no ITR penalty without canards (Higher ITR with canards but no/reduced RCS-drag improvement).

 

[Shirman]

First of all I would like to thank @Bleh and say sorry for re editing his quote. I wanted to reply him and made a mess of my earlier post. I didn't re edit as forum layout is new to me accessing from phone. Coming to the topic making the vertical fins rotable in AMCA and AMCA based ORCA/TEDBF as in @Bleh's design concept requires 2 cutting edge technology ie. "Fly by optics" and "Memory Alloy material". DFI member @rahulrds1 in Aero India 2015 had shown Indian National Aerospace laboratories NAL micro UAV made up of Memory Alloy. They are needed as rotable vertical fins which can change its angle as threats and mission arises such as in enemy airspace IADS saturated "hot zones bubbles " no fly zones with AESA tipped enemy 5th Gen fighters searching for AMCA which gone from VLO to ELO by simply morphing its tail section. This capability is exotic,unique will come at a price and is not simple as a swing wing fighter of 70's ie Mig-23,27 F-111,F-14 etc but achievable. The lab startup NAL is CSIR affiliated and the Memory Alloy material research team is headed by Shanmugam Palaniswamy. Hal/Ada needs to get in touch with these guys. I think of it as AMCA which started as MCA in circa 2008-2009 that's when I started following the program had semi stealthy tejas body,twin engine without vertical stab.I feel ORCA/TEDBF which is evolved using Tejas LCA 4th gen DNA should have 5th Gen AMCA DNA as it is post 2025 fighter. @rahulrds1 had also posted Shape Memory Alloy pics already used in LCA Tejas in Aero India 2015 pics Forum.

 

[Assassin 2.0]

Source the state ohio university

 

[Bleh]

...making the vertical fins rotable in AMCA and AMCA based ORCA/TEDBF as in @Bleh's design concept requires 2 cutting edge technology ie. "Fly by optics" and "Memory Alloy material".

Ok. This is not something I know much about, but why?

I figured that the Flight Control Softwares would have to be modified to align with the new control surface movements... And the flaps should be joined it is single point (you can see it, right where fuselage ends) by a dual-dxis hinge, one to turn it horizontal & vertical another for the flipping movement.

Longitudinal Axis.

Lateral/Vertical Axis.

Source that state ohio university

Good info. So size of each surface may matter more than number of them... So they can actually increase the size of those tailplanes to increase lift with negligible RCS increase!

What about drag by vertical fins compared to planform aligned horizontal flaps though?

 

[Assassin 2.0]

Source the ohio state university

 

[Assassin 2.0]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm

 

[Bleh]

Longitudinal Axis.

Lateral/Vertical Axis.

@Assassin 2.0 Interesting stuff you found there. It had always bugged me why AMCA wings are so small. Now i know probably why. So size of individual surface may matter more than number of them... So they can actually increase the size of those tailplanes to increase lift with negligible RCS increase!

But smaller wings does create the issues of decreased lift and increased wing-loading, making drag reduction even more necessary.
Just realised that most optimum stealthy fighter would be those large rotatable flaps attached to the older version of AMCA. That they would provide enough lift at level flight and will maintain high roll and turn rate.

...Or they could simply add canards. If I understand correctly what it says, then canard would have least effect on RCS. @Karthi

 

[Assassin 2.0]

Or they could simply add canards. If I understand correctly what it says, then canard would have negligible effect on RCS.

Canard will increase frontal RCS even if their contribution in total RCS remains low.

Looks like DRDO is more focused in development of total stealth and net centric warfare aircraft compared to Chinese J-20 which tries to be stealthy and maneuverable.

 

[scatterStorm]

Not exactly Yf-23 or Tempest tail-configuration, as their fins cant flip places. Canards too are optional.

Check out the updated version in Fanart & Concept Art thread. (link)
Edit: Forget it. I will just repost here. @patriots will you post it on twitter?

Decreased RCS & drag from no vertical fins as well as icreased lift at level flight. Better STR, possibly roll-rate too. More control due to adjustable tail, no ITR penalty without canards (Higher ITR with canards but no/reduced RCS-drag improvement).

Oh, ok I though its like the Tempest or YF23. Interesting paper, so if you minimize vertical stabilizers you decrease RCS, meaning F22 RCS can decrease to like what ... zero if they reduce its vertical stabilizer fins? That's sick. SU57 that's why has those small fins. I can see that roll-rate will improve, and STR. Its obvious that if you are not going with canards, you have to increase your tail stabilizers surface area to compensate the drag at STR.

I am not sure about the RCS though, canards do add RCS, especially if they are moving.

 

[HariPrasad-1]

IMO Our limitation is advancements in metallurgical technologies...

Many technologies are critical. You are right. Metallurgy is one of them. I would add that method of forging components in particular. New method of 3D printing has come in. Many parts can now be made with this technique. We are using it to manufacture some parts of HTFE 25.

 

[Shirman]

Ok. This is not something I know much about, but why?

I figured that the Flight Control Softwares would have to be modified to align with the new control surface movements... And the flaps should be joined it is single point (you can see it, right where fuselage ends) by a dual-dxis hinge, one to turn it horizontal & vertical another for the flipping movement.

Longitudinal Axis.

Lateral/Vertical Axis.

Good info. So size of each surface may matter more than number of them... So they can actually increase the size of those tailplanes to increase lift with negligible RCS increase!

What about drag by vertical fins compared to planform aligned horizontal flaps though?

OK Let me in return ask you a question your 5th Gen fighter proposal has 2 actions (that frequently needs to be performed thorough fighters flight duration) based on longitudinal Axis and 2 actions based on lateral/vertical Axis based on your GIF, which of the following for your rotating variable fins/stab you as an aeronautical engineer would go for:-
A) 70s era hydraulics system found on swing wing fighters.
B) 80's -90's era fly by wire system found on most of 4th gen planes.
C) latest upcoming Fly by Optics currently being developed for Japanese F3 I3 stealth fighter and Su-57.??
What will be the degree of modification for your proposed flight control software and what will be the computation power of onboard avionics be it flight manuvering, aerodynamical parameters and mission management? After all we are talking about 5th gen fighter which comes with it's own sets of Missions,targets,objectives in which we are introducing such a novel innovative complex aeronautical design feat. Won't be the flight control software get burdened by flight handling and manuvering aspects alone??? Unless there is brute processing computation like Qatars F-15QA or AI enabled software algorithm investments in R&D we don't know exactly. This reminds me of a friendly debate me and my retired south African pilot friend who has flown mig-29A in Ukraine in the 90s and Eritrea, SAAF Gripen A and Atlas Mirage F-1z. He literally hated mig-29's partial/half fly by wire system when compared to Saab Gripen of SAAF and as a true Fighter pilot distinguished 3rd Gen to 4th Gen when it came to inflight avionics. Same applies with tec graduating from 4th Gen to 5 Gen avionics. Speaking of which our very own Tejas has some 30+ kms of wiring when it comes to fly by wire avionics. As for me I would really love to make a mini RC Model of your AMCA design proposal just to understand its feasibility as any aeromodelling enthusiast would do who knows it may work according to you it may not work. The design being fresh needs to be tested as a feasibility study IMHO....

 

[lcafanboy]

Emerging Technologies for Sixth-Generation Combat Aircraft
Anil Chopra Anil Chopra
1 hour ago

anil chopra, air power asia, sixth generation fighters
Sixth Generation Aircraft, Image Credit: Military and Commercial technology

The Indian Air Force‘s (IAF) Balakot strikes and the air combat that followed in response to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) riposte on 27th March 2019, rekindled interest in fighter aircraft technologies and air combat capabilities. Combat aviation has not only become the most preferred means of prosecution of war but has seen the fastest growth of technology. Fighter aircraft are designed for air-to-air combat against other aircraft, and to bomb or attack surface targets. World War II featured fighter combat on a larger scale than any other conflict to date. During the invasion of Poland and France Luftwaffe’s air superiority played major role in German victories. In the Battle of Britain use of radars resulted in advantage RAF. In WW II strategic bombing was the main attack mission. Concept of aerial fighter escorts to bomber/strike missions thus evolved. Light fighters proved very successful in WW II. Their special features were agility (speed, manoeuvrability), accurate weapon delivery, capability to operate in all weathers and at night, and be secure from enemy air and surface threat. As technology grew, the pilot was not just flying the aircraft accurately and safely, but was also a weapon systems manager and operator. With aircraft and systems performance increase, technological helped the pilot reduce work-load to be able to take on more tasks. After the advent of jet age, aviation community started classifying jet fighters by “generations”. There are no official definitions, and they just represent stages in the development of fighter design, performance capabilities, and technological evolution. Most air forces currently operate fourth generation aircraft. There are a few fifth generation aircraft flying, and the sixth generation aircraft are on the drawing boards and technologies are evolving.

Initial Fighter Aircraft Generations

The first generation of jet fighters comprised the initial, subsonic jet fighter designs introduced late in World War II, many had un-swept wings and only guns as the principal armament. American F-86 Sabre and Soviet MiG-15s were first with swept wings and near transonic performance. Grumman F9F Panther was the first aircraft with an afterburner engine. Early versions of Infra-red (IR) air-to-air missiles (AAM) and radar guided missiles came up in 1950s. The second generation fighters evolved by mid 1950s and had better aerodynamic design (Swept and Delta wings), propulsion systems (afterburner) and used aluminum alloys and were able to break the sound barrier. Radars became small enough to be carried aboard smaller aircraft and greatly aided the pilot in target acquisition and weapon aiming. IR missiles became common place. Radar-guided (RF) missiles were introduced with ability of beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat. BVR allowed building the concept of the interceptor. However, based on experience in Korea and Vietnam, the third generation aircraft that came around mid-1960s believed that combat would still devolve around close-in dogfights using IR missiles. Analog avionics began replacing the older cockpit instrumentation and started taking-over part of the pilot functions. Flight Control surfaces like canards, slats and blown flaps greatly improved turning performance. Thrust vectoring evolved for Harrier vertical and short take-off and landing. Medium-range RF AAMs gave greater “stand-off” ranges. New techniques for Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) were introduced. US Navy established its famous TOPGUN fighter weapons school. Advanced Air Combat Maneuvering (ACM) and Dissimilar Air Combat Training (DACT) began. Terrain avoidance radar made it possible to fly very low level at night. Air-to-surface missiles and Laser Guided Bombs (LGBs) increased stand-off weapon delivery distances. Power-plant reliability increased and jet engines became “smokeless” to make it harder to sight aircraft at long distances. Variable-geometry wings were introduced on aircraft like F-111 and MiG-23.Very high speeds of aircraft necessitated development of ejection seats for safe exit during emergency. Ejection seats are nowadays designed for use at zero-speed on ground. Quick response G-suits allow sustaining higher ‘G’ forces.

Fourth Generation Plus

Fourth-generation fighters strengthened the trend towards multirole configurations. Concept of ‘energy-manoeuvrability’ impacted aircraft designs that required performing ‘fast transients’ – quick changes in speed, altitude, and direction – as opposed to relying mostly on high speed. It called for small lightweight aircraft with higher thrust-weight ratio. The F-16, MiG-29 and Mirage-2000 evolved. Fly-By-Wire (FBW) flight controls became possible due advances in computers and system integration, and this allowed relaxed static stability flight and in turn agility. Analog systems began to be replaced by digital flight control systems in late 1980s. Likewise, Full Authority Digital Engine Controls (FADEC) to electronically manage power-plant performance was introduced. Both allowed carefree manoeuvring by the pilot. Pulse-Doppler fire-control-radars added Look-down/shoot-down capability. Head-up displays (HUD), hands-on-throttle-and-stick (HOTAS) controls, and multi-function displays (MFD) allowed better situational awareness and quicker reactions. Composite materials like bonded aluminum honeycomb structures and graphite epoxy laminate skins helped reduce aircraft weight. Improved maintenance design and procedures reduced aircraft turnaround time between missions and generated more sorties. Another novel technology was stealth using special ‘low-observable’ materials and aircraft design techniques to reduce detect-ability by the enemy’s sensors, particularly radars. The first real stealth designs were Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk attack aircraft in 1983 and the Northrop Grumman B-2 Spirit in 1989. Military budget cuts after Cold war, and high funding requirements of the fifth generation fighter, resulted in a term called the 4.5th generation fightersduring 1990s to 2005.This sub-generation saw advanced digital avionics, newer aerospace materials, modest signature reduction, and highly integrated systems and weapons. These fighters operated in network-centric environment. Key technologies introduced included BVR AAMs; GPS-guided weapons, solid-state phased-array radars, helmet-mounted sights (HMDS), and improved secure, jamming-resistant data-links. A degree of super-cruise ability (supersonic without afterburner) was introduced. Stealth characteristics focused on front-aspect radar cross section (RCS) reduction through limited shaping techniques. Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale and Saab JAS 39 Gripen were in this category. Many 4th generation aircraft were also upgraded with new technologies. Su-30MKI and Su-35 featured thrust vectoring engine nozzles to enhance maneuvering. Most of them are still being produced and evolving. It is quite possible that they may continue in production alongside fifth-generation fighters due to the expense of developing the advanced levels of technology. 4.5th generation fighter aircraft are now expected to have AESA radar, high capacity data-link, enhanced avionics, and ability to deploy advanced armaments.

Air Superiority as a Concept

Air superiority fighter aircraft are meant for entering and seizing control of enemy airspace as a means of establishing complete dominance/supremacy over the enemy’s air force. They usually operate under the control/co-ordination of Airborne Early warning & Control (AEW&C) aircraft. Aircraft like US Navy’s F-14 and USAF’s F-15 were built to achieve air superiority from design & development stage. Both later had multi-role variants. Soviets/Russians developed MiG-29 and Su-27 around same time. Eurofighter Typhoon and Dassault Rafale though multi-role fighters but both have air-superiority missions. F-22 Raptor, Su-30 variants, Su-35, Chinese J-11 and J-15 were also air-superiority aircraft.

Fifth Generation Fighters

The fifth generation was ushered in by the Lockheed Martin/Boeing F-22 Raptor in late 2005. These aircraft are designed from the start to operate in a network-centric combat environment, and to feature extremely low, all-aspect, multi-spectral signatures employing advanced materials and shaping techniques. They have multifunction AESA radars with high-bandwidth low-probability of intercept. IRST and other sensors are fused in for Situational Awareness and to constantly track all targets of interest around the aircraft’s 360 degree bubble. Avionics suites rely on extensive use of very high-speed integrated circuit (VHSIC) technology and high-speed data buses. Integration of all these elements is claimed to provide fifth-generation fighters with a “first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability”. In addition to its high resistance to ECM, they can function as a “mini-AWACS”. Integrated electronic warfare system, integrated communications, navigation, and identification (CNI), centralized ‘vehicle health monitoring’, fibre-optic data-transmission, and stealth are important features. Maneuver performance is enhanced by thrust-vectoring, which also helps reduce takeoff and landing distances. Super-cruise is inbuilt. Layout and internal structures minimize RCS over a broad bandwidth of frequencies. To maintain low signature primary weapons are carried in internal weapon bays. Stealth technology has now advanced to where it can be employed without a trade-off with aerodynamics performance. Signature-reduction techniques include special shaping approaches, thermoplastic materials, extensive structural use of advanced composites, conformal sensors, heat-resistant coatings, low-observable wire meshes to cover intake and cooling vents, heat ablating tiles on the exhaust troughs and coating internal and external metal areas with radar-absorbent materials and paints. These aircraft are very expensive. F-22 costs around US$150 million. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightening II fighters will cost on average US$ 85 million due to large scale production. Other fifth-generation fighter development projects include Russia’s Sukhoi PAK FA, now SU-57. India is also developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). China’s 5th generation fighter Chengdu J-20 is flying since January 2011 and combat units started inducting in early 2018. The Shenyang J-31 first flew in October 2012. The program has received government funding and is being sought after by both Chinese air force the PLAAF and Naval Aviation PLANAF.

Light Vs Heavy Fighters

There is a continued decision conflict about light vs heavy fighters. Light aircraft are relatively simple with only essential features, and lower cost. Light fighters generally feature a high thrust-to-weight ratio, high manoeuvrability, and high reliability. Intentional simplicity also allows buying larger numbers to out-number the enemy in the air under combat conditions. Modern single engine light fighters include F-16, JAS-39 Gripen, and Tejas LCA, all being significantly lower in cost. Larger fighters provide the opportunity for more technology, longer range radars, and heavier weapons, but are much more expensive and often unaffordable.

Unmanned Fighters

Unmanned Aircraft technologies are already proven, and it is clearly emerging that the future is unmanned. World is at a real time of transition. There are some who see the JSF as the last manned fighter/bomber. Solar Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles(UAVs) are already flying. Dual use optionally manned aircraft are under development. Unmanned aircraft are already taking-off and landing by themselves including on the moving aircraft carrier (Northrop GrummanX-47B). Autonomous air refueling has been tested. Lockheed Martin’s UCLASS drone ‘Sea Ghost’ looks rather like a stealth bomber and is expected to carry 1,000-pound class weapons. Russians had modified MiG 21 aircraft to fly remotely in 1990s and used them as targets for weapon trials. USAF has already modified F-4s and F-16s to fly unmanned. In France, Dassault leads a multi nation delta wing UCAV ‘Neuron’ of the size of Mirage 2000. UK has a Strategic Unmanned Air Vehicle (SUAVE) program ‘Taranis’. This will be a supersonic autonomous stealth bomber with intercontinental range. USA is also working on Strike Bomber that is likely to be optionally manned.

Evolving Technologies

Today technologies are offering enhanced capabilities that are driving operational employment and tactics. Artificial Intelligence (AI), smart structures, and hybrid systems will dictate the future. Demand for streaming high-quality data requires bandwidth, which involves innovating sensor/processing systems. Network-centric payload processing units enable onboard data fusion prior to sending to digital links. Gallium Nitride (GaN) is a semiconductor material that is more efficient, easier to cool, and improves reliability for radars. Any system must be designed with aim for maintaining a competitive advantage in an austere budget environment. The Passive Aero-elastic Tailored (PAT), a uniquely designed composite wing will be lighter, more structurally efficient and have flexibility compared to conventional wings. This wing will maximize structural efficiency, reduce weight and conserve fuel. Hypersonic cruise, fuel cell technologies, hybrid sensors, improved human-machine interface using data analytics and bio-mimicry, combination of materials, apertures and radio frequencies that ensure survival in enemy territory are under development. Things will be build faster, better and more affordably, using 3D printing yet ensuring quality and safety standards. Additive 3D manufacture creates a world with spare parts on demand, faster maintenance and repairs, more effective electronics, and customized weapons. The development of a hypersonic aircraft would forever change ability to respond to conflict. Nano-materials will control sizes, shapes and compositions, and significantly reduce weight yet create stronger structures for air and spacecraft, yet drive down costs.

Future Weaponry

Future weaponry would utilize scramjets for the production of faster missiles. Despite failing its recent tests, Boeing’s X-51A Wave-rider scramjet remains in development as it hopes to reach hypersonic speeds approaching Mach 6, a speed at which a missile could not be stopped by conventional air defence technology. Continued experiments with DEW and lasers, used for defensive as well as offensive measures, delivering effects at the speed of light, are also likely to shape precisely what sixth generation fighters are equipped with. New aircraft will be as much about reusable weaponry (lasers) as it is about expendable weaponry. The solid-state laser systems defensively create a sanitized sphere of safety around the aircraft, shooting down or critically damaging incoming missiles and approaching aircraft with the laser turrets. Even attacking targets on the ground, such as individual people, with pinpoint precision, or shooting down ballistic missiles and other traditional targets are possibilities. USAF is developing a new air-to-air missile, dubbed the Small Advanced Capabilities Missile (SACM) for 2030s. SACM would promise an improved solid rocket motor having synergized control enabled by combined aero, attitude control and thrust vectoring. The missile will have improved ‘high off bore sight’ for rear hemisphere kills and ‘lower cost per kill.’ The missile would also incorporate energy optimizing guidance, navigation and control. The Miniature Self-Defense Munitions (MSDM), will enhance future platforms self-defense capability, without impacting the primary weapon payload. A sixth-generation missile could replace AMRAAM. A survivable, long-range missile with combined air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities is being evolved. Range would be a big factor to counter potential adversaries with Chinese PL-15. It will be multiband, broad spectrum – which aids it in survivability and reaching the target. DARPA’s the triple target terminator (T3) program envisions combined capabilities of Raytheon’s AIM-120 and AGM-88 High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM). No aircraft is invisible, and using standoff weaponry early in an air campaign to open up weaknesses in an enemy’s air defense will be required even for 5th generation fighter aircraft to operate in the area without assuming excess risk.

Heavy Stealth Revolution

Fighters like the F-35 and F-22 may be stealthy, but their support assets, like aerial tankers—KC-135R, KC-10A, KC-46A and AWACS are not. USAF needs ‘heavy stealth revolution’ for low observable tankers, transports, bombers and ‘flying sensor and communications trucks’, as these will be targeted. USAF could adapt the new stealth bomber design for the stealth tanker role. It will also give ability to insert special operations teams deep behind enemy lines via a stealthy high-altitude penetrating transport.

Future Pilot Support Systems

Many new technologies have improved pilot endurance for long flights. On-board Oxygen generation (OBOX) now obviates the need to have oxygen cylinders and increases endurance. Smart drugs and hybrid supplements increase endurance, stamina, physical strength, and alertness levels and regulate the sleep and waking hours and pilot could keep awake for days. Modified genes will convert fat into energy so as to last for long flights. A trans-dermal nutrient delivery system will provide just enough nourishment to keep the body going. Pilot’s physical and mental state will be monitored by sensors to check overload, physiological stress and the same transmitted to ground controller. Light-weight helmets with visor displays for integrated information from all sensors for weapon cueing and shoot command. Fire-resistant bullet-proof clothing is in use. Voice activated commands for multiple aircraft functions. Secure data-links aided commands will allow radio silence. Research is being done for contact lens-mounted displays that could focus information from drones and satellites directly into eyeballs, and helmets that could enable to communicate telepathically. Next-generation helmets will pick up vibrations from the skull and transmit sound directly into the head instead of using traditional microphone-earpiece combine. To fit the body contours, flexible display screens would be of easy to bend synthetic material other than glass.

U.S. Sixth Generation Fighter Programs

US Air Force (USAF) and US Navy (USN) have been defining their own requirements of a sixth generation fighter. US DoD began the sixth generation fighter quest in October 2012. DARPA began a study to try to bridge the USAF and USN concepts. Next-generation fighter efforts will initially be led by DARPA under the “Air Dominance Initiative” to develop prototype X-plane. Sixth generation technologies have been evolving for several years. USAF and USN will each have variants focused on their mission requirements. USAF has announced that it will pursue “a network of integrated systems disaggregated across multiple platforms” rather than a “sixth generation fighter” in its Air Superiority 2030 plan. Dubbed the “Next Generation Tactical Aircraft”/”Next Gen TACAIR”, the USAF seeks a fighter with “enhanced capabilities in areas such as reach, persistence, survivability, net-centricity, situational awareness, human-system integration and weapons effects. The future system will have to counter adversaries equipped with next generation advanced electronic attack, sophisticated integrated air defense systems, passive detection, integrated self-protection, directed energy weapons (DEW), and cyber attack capabilities. It must be able to operate in the anti access/anti-denial environment that will exist in the 2030–50 timeframe. It is expected to use advanced engines with Adaptive Versatile Engine Technology for longer ranges and higher performance which should be ready by 2030 when fighters would be ready. The newer engines could vary their bypass ratios for optimum efficiency at any speed or altitude. That would give an aircraft a much greater range, faster acceleration, and greater subsonic cruise efficiency. The ability to super-cruise may not be a critical requirement, but it will likely be able to with this engine type. USAF and USN have common approach on the engine. The engine companies involved are General electric (GE) and Pratt & Whitney (P&W).

The Rand Corporation has recommended That USAF and USN run separate programs to avoid mission compromise, and that all joint programs in the past turned out more expensive. A USAF General remarked that if next-generation air dominance capabilities came from pressing “a single button on a keyboard that makes all our adversaries fall to the ground” it would be acceptable. Concepts from the Air Force and industry have so far revolved around supersonic tailless aircraft. The aircraft will feature AI as a decision aid to the pilot, similar in concept to how advanced sensor fusion is used by the F-22 and F-35. Stealth is ‘incredibly important’ for the next-generation F-X fighter of USAF. USN’s F/A-XX fighter might not be so focused on survivability as to sacrifice speed and payload.

USAF intends to follow a path of risk reduction by prototyping, technology demonstration, and systems engineering work before creation of an aircraft actually starts. The sixth-generation strike capability not as just an aircraft, but a system of systems including communications, space capabilities, standoff, and stand-in options. USAF fighter maybe larger and more resembling a bomber than a small, maneuverable traditional fighter. Small size, high speed, and maneuverability may be less relevant and easier to intercept. Fighter significantly larger can rely on enhanced sensors, signature control, networked situational awareness, and very-long-range weapons to complete engagements before being detected or tracked. Larger planes would have greater range that would enable them to be stationed further from a combat zone, have greater radar and IR detection capabilities, and carry bigger and longer-range missiles. Heavily armed combat aircraft could link itself to the development of the Long Range Strike Bomber. It would include stealth against low or very high frequency radars like those of the S-400 missile system, which would mean airframe with no vertical stabilizers. Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works division has revealed a conceptual next-generation fighter design which calls for greater speed, range, stealth and self-healing structures. Northrop Grumman is looking at a supersonic tailless jet, something never created before due to complexity; it may also be optionally manned.

Other Sixth Generation Programs

France and Germany have awarded the first-ever contract – a Joint Concept Study (JCS) – to Dassault Aviation and Airbus for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) programme. The JCS is based on High Level Common Operational Requirements Document (HLCORD) signed in 2018. It identifies the preferred baseline concepts for its major pillars such as the manned Next Generation Fighter (NGF), Remote Carriers (RCs) and a System of Systems approach with associated next generation services. Both countries want to secure European sovereignty and technological leadership in the military aviation sector for the coming decades beyond 2040. The two-year study should complete by February 2021. FCAS is one of the most ambitious European defence programs of the century.

The BAE Systems Tempest is a proposed stealth fighter aircraft concept to be designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom for the Royal Air Force. It is being developed by a consortium consisting of the UK Ministry of Defence, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo and MBDA, and is intended to enter service from 2035 replacing the Eurofighter Typhoon. Approximately $2.66 billion will be spent by the British government on the project by 2025. Tempest will be a sixth-generation fighter incorporating several new technologies. BAE Systems is planning to approach India for collaboration for the design and manufacture of the Tempest. Tempest could be optionally manned and have swarming technology to control drones. It will incorporate AI deep learning and possess DEWs. Tempest will feature an adaptive cycle engine and virtual cockpit shown on a pilot’s helmet-mounted display.

China is still evolving its J-20 and J-31. Some Chinese sixth generation aircraft (J-XX) is referred to as Huolong (Fire Dragon). But as on date China has serious limitations on radar, avionics, and engine technologies. China planned to field it in the 2025-2030 time frame. In Russia, the FGFA Sukhoi Su-57 is just being inducted, and work is on for its sixth generation aircraft Mikoyan MiG-41. Japan’s Mitsubishi F-3 sixth-generation fighter would be based on concept of aircraft informed, intelligent and instantaneous, technologies for which are under testing on the Mitsubishi X-2 Shinshin test-bed aircraft.

Action India

India is still evolving technologies for LCA design. India’s fiffh generation aircraft, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), is still on drawing board and will require foreign help for many technologies. There are a handful of major aircraft engine manufacturers in the world. China and India are still evolving their engine design and manufacturing abilities. India has been dependent on Russian, French and American engines for long. DRDO’s Kaveri engine has faced major hiccups for nearly three decades. It has now been decided to seek Safran (Snecma) help to recover the nearly dying project. India also needs help in AESA radars, EW systems, modern weapons, actionable Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other advanced avionics. It is best to take collaborative approach and use economic muscle and high military systems requirements to seek transfer of technology. India needs to think ahead, lest we get left behind again.

Emerging Technologies for Sixth-Generation Combat Aircraft

The Galwan Valley skirmish between two major powers China and India once again brought war clouds on the horizon. The two airforces moved fighter jets to airbases near the place of action. Also, th…

airpowerasia.com

 

[Assassin 2.0]

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Just in!

RAFAEL of Israel announces that it has been awarded a contract to supply 5th generation Litening and RecceLite airborne electro-optical systems for installation on a combat platform of an "undisclosed air force"


Might be for AMCA?

 

[Karthi]

1/2

Just in!

RAFAEL of Israel announces that it has been awarded a contract to supply 5th generation Litening and RecceLite airborne electro-optical systems for installation on a combat platform of an "undisclosed air force"


Might be for AMCA?

Tejas Or MWF

 

[airtel]

1/2

Just in!

RAFAEL of Israel announces that it has been awarded a contract to supply 5th generation Litening and RecceLite airborne electro-optical systems for installation on a combat platform of an "undisclosed air force"


Might be for AMCA?

Amca or any 5th generation aircraft can not use external targeting pod ...it would increase it's radar signature .
It Might be used with a variant of LCA

 

[A chauhan]

Some details on AMCA...

 

[Emperor Kalki]

1/2

Just in!

RAFAEL of Israel announces that it has been awarded a contract to supply 5th generation Litening and RecceLite airborne electro-optical systems for installation on a combat platform of an "undisclosed air force"


Might be for AMCA?

Tejas Or MWF

Amca or any 5th generation aircraft can not use external targeting pod ...it would increase it's radar signature .
It Might be used with a variant of LCA

Whoa...slow down guys, first lets try to confirm its for India....

 

[Assassin 2.0]

Nice article @Chopsyturvey.

Though, can't agree on way forward. "We need help" conclusion is not adequately supported by technical arguments.

'Help' is a 3rd world concept. Can't agree on that word at all. We crossed that stage years ago