Perhaps more so that any upcoming component technologies will also be incorporated within the modern airframes of the F-35 and J-20 based on their lengthy current projected service lives, which could uprate the generation definition of those into 5.5th generation fighters and might simply reduce the generation definition for the pair of European fighters into 5.5th generation fighters give a lack of difference in technology.
PLA next/6th generation fighter thread
- Thread starter Blitzo
- Start date
Exactly, they did components for a 5.0 gen over the last two decades, they never had a program put together. So that's why their end product is likely a 5+++ rather than a true full 6.0.
We are both saying the same exact thing, you can't bypass 5.0 and leapfrog to 6.0 without actually putting a program and getting the expertise and knowledge.
You are really underestimating europeean countries' expertise r&d, rolls royce had a 6th gen (YF-120) adaptive cycle engine back in 1990s, while russia and china are struggling to get their 5th gen engines ( ws 15 and idelizye 30) to get operationalized.
The YF120 was General Electric's engine. The YF136 was a joint GE/RR alternative engine for the F-35. The YF136 had RR participation, not the YF120. The YF120 had adaptive cycle-ish stuff back in the late1980s.
Name a single nation that bypass entire GENERATION, from 1 to 3, or 2 to 4, or 4 to 6 and leapfrog the intermediate generation... Any examples?
You can call it "6th gen fighter" but that's just marketing, it's more likely 5+++ (or 5.5) in terms of actual capabilities, not true 6.0 gen.
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You're right about generation naming. But i am equating engines with generation of aircraft.
But one thing is clear, 5th gen aircraft require engines that can provide enough thrust for super cruise,
while 6th gen aircraft require engines with exceptionally high electric output and thermal load factor i.e. they need to be 3 stage or adaptive cycle engines.
Afaik, both WS15 and Item 30 are supposed to be supercruise enablers and not adaptive cycle and they aren't ready.
Meanwhile AETP engines XA100/101 are adaptive cycle engines which have already crossed critical thresholds.
AssassinsMace
Lieutenant General
I remember it being said that 6th gen was going to be unmanned. Here's how it's going to work. If China comes out with a 6th gen first, everyone will say it's not a 6th gen and only a true 6th gen will officially be out when the West has one with something more than what the Chinese have.
by78
General
An out of Chengdu on a variable wing design applicable to flying wings. Basically, a portion of each wing folds up slightly in for supersonic flight. For subsonic flight where more lift is needed, the portion returns to its default position to generate maximum lift.
Not entirely certain if this is the appropriate thread. Perhaps we should have a dedicated thread for China's aerospace research.
Not entirely certain if this is the appropriate thread. Perhaps we should have a dedicated thread for China's aerospace research.
An out of Chengdu on a variable wing design applicable to flying wings. Basically, a portion of each wing folds up slightly in for supersonic flight. For subsonic flight where more lift is needed, the portion returns to its default position to generate maximum lift.
Not entirely certain if this is the appropriate thread. Perhaps we should have a dedicated thread for China's aerospace research.
Variable geometry is certainly a key part of defining 6th gen. It allows one frame to do it all from post stall to high supersonic, terrain hugging to 20,000m... if the propulsion allows.