However there are several variables
often overlooked when it comes to the
argument that the anticipated value
added of a 6th gen aircraft, suggests or
even justifies a massive reduction in
planned F-35s.
Should F-35s be reduced as part of the
accelerated effort to fast-track large
numbers of six-gen aircraft to war?
No, they are intended to complement one
another and may indeed be distinct
aircraft with slightly different mission
sets and technical characteristics.
While very little is known about the
configuration, performance parameters are
mission profile for the new 6th gen
aircraft, there has all along been
evidence that plans for the jet more
fully aligned with thinking of it as a
replacement and not an F-35 substitute.
This seems even more apparent now in
light of the recent revelation that the F-22 will actually begin to sunset in
2030, several decades ahead of earlier
projections as the raptor has gone
through numerous upgrades.
Could an expedited exit for the F-22 be
due in large measure to the accelerated
arrival of NGAD 6th gen? Frankly it would seem that way, it seems
significant to note that, while they are
both 5th gen aircraft the F-35 and F-22
are different airplanes.
Therefore, engineering a next-generation F-22 like 6th gen aircraft in no way
diminishes the need for f-35s. An F-35 is a multi-role fighter with
unparalleled intelligence, surveillance
and reconnaissance sensor technologies, AI capable computing in a perpetual
ability to adapt, change and enhance
performance through software upgrades
and new mission systems are targeting
innovations.
The Pentagon has a long-term continuous
modernization development program for
its F-35 and plans to fly it into the
2070s and beyond.
The F-35 is a multi-role fighter and
while it is capable of dog fighting and
aerial maneuvers, its principal margin of
superiority may reside in its sensing, computer processing and long-range
high-fidelity targeting technology.
A next-gen F-22 however would bring a complementary yet slightly
different capability to war in a way
which might help foster a complete
picture or possibility of combined 5th
and 6th gen aerial dominance. The F-22 is regarded as, quite possibly, the fastest most maneuverable and best
air to air combat platform in the world.
While capable of sensing, close air
support and communications networking, the F-22 is widely regarded as an air
supremacy platform. Could enthusiasm for the fast
progressing and now airborne u.s air
force six gen stealth fighters have led
some senior members of the air force to
suggest a massive cut to the F-35?
Seems unlikely as the service's plan has
for many years been to fly the F-35
alongside a new 6th gen next generation
air dominance aircraft for decades into
the future.
However, given how little is known about
the 6th gen the services plans for the
aircraft have likely yet to take shape. While there is little available data
regarding any configuration or mission
scope for the new 6th gen aircraft, both
recent comments from senior air force
leaders and developments over the last
several years seem to inculcate that
they are most likely not intended to be
a one-for-one replacement, meaning a
sixth-gen aircraft would not be a next
gen F-35 in any capacity.
Rather the opposite appears more likely, meaning both a 6th gen stealth fighter
and 5th gen multi-role F-35 will each
respectively possess attributes and
characteristics the other does not have.
It seems much more likely given that the F-22 was at least in the minds of many
prematurely truncated at 187 aircraft, a
6th gen aircraft might introduce a
breakthrough level of F-22 like air
dominance.
