PLA next/6th generation fighter thread

[siegecrossbow]

A better way to detect sixth gen might be to think outside of the box. No matter how stealthy the planes are, they still need to takeoff from airports. Have enough space assets to track their position 24/7.

 

[Andy1974]

A better way to detect sixth gen might be to think outside of the box. No matter how stealthy the planes are, they still need to takeoff from airports. Have enough space assets to track their position 24/7.

Yeah, and have those space commercial earth observation assets jointly created with BRICS+ countries, lol.

 

[Blitzo]

A better way to detect sixth gen might be to think outside of the box. No matter how stealthy the planes are, they still need to takeoff from airports. Have enough space assets to track their position 24/7.

While space based sensing is likely to be part of the future, the ability to "outmatch the enemy when other multidomain capability is held equal" will likely remain.

 

[anzha]

While space based sensing is likely to be part of the future, the ability to "outmatch the enemy when other multidomain capability is held equal" will likely remain.

And assuming DEWs become a thing on aircraft, it's easier to shoot up into space than laterally: less atmosphere to go through.

 

[latenlazy]

I don't see how this NGAD is supposed to have anything to do with air dominance with a flying wing planform. Flying wings are subsonic and not maneuverable, and the US would be monumentally stupid to think speed and maneuverability can be discounted entirely for stealth.

I think 6th gens will have some type of variable wing planform with things like flip-up tails. I expect the engine and planform to work in tandem where tails would be lowered and the engine in cruise mode during rendezvous, while in engagements the tails would be raised and the engines switched to power.

It also goes without saying that the PLAAF needs absolutely everything the US needs with NGAD. The days of the PLA having to go with ad hoc solutions are long behind us. If the USAF has a capability, the PLAAF needs a capability at least as good.

A flying wing’s speed envelope depends on the geometry of the wing.

 

[tphuang]

I think the original thought that J-20 was built to hunt down AEW and tankers was because western analysts thought they'd be built in small numbers and that they might not be able to find F-22/35s. J-20 would clearly be good in that role, but it's also great in the other roles.

If China also goes by the way of all aspect stealth and 1500 km combat radius, then 6th gen project would be very expensive. All the 6th gen/H-20 aircraft will basically be acting as C2 aircraft for earlier generation aircraft and UCAVs.

When it comes to fighting all aspect stealth, i think it will probably be a combination of UHF radar (via AEW drones), bistatic radars/networking of UCAVs and long range radar beaming. Sensors, processing, networking and algorithms all have to get a lot better

 

[Blitzo]

Tbh I think 1500km combat radius may be a bit low for 6th gen.

Current 5th gen fighters can do 1500km already, and those which cannot may be able to achieve it with variable cycle engine upgrades if considered for it.

I think a combat radius of 2000-2500km may be necessary for 6th gen fighters.

 

[Atomicfrog]

I think the original thought that J-20 was built to hunt down AEW and tankers was because western analysts thought they'd be built in small numbers and that they might not be able to find F-22/35s. J-20 would clearly be good in that role, but it's also great in the other roles.

If China also goes by the way of all aspect stealth and 1500 km combat radius, then 6th gen project would be very expensive. All the 6th gen/H-20 aircraft will basically be acting as C2 aircraft for earlier generation aircraft and UCAVs.

When it comes to fighting all aspect stealth, i think it will probably be a combination of UHF radar (via AEW drones), bistatic radars/networking of UCAVs and long range radar beaming. Sensors, processing, networking and algorithms all have to get a lot better

I could see some kind of LIDAR or optical system to find all aspect stealth. Some kind of multispectrum search and track replacing IRST. A line of sight radar more or less. With three optical sensors on one or multiple plane you can do triangulation and have pinpoint guiding for missiles or interception. On a Lidar system, you can have all in one system. Some are alreading working on paint to counter it but it could be a nice addition to radar.

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[Volpler11]

I could see some kind of LIDAR or optical system to find all aspect stealth. Some kind of multispectrum search and track replacing IRST. A line of sight radar more or less. With three optical sensors on one or multiple plane you can do triangulation and have pinpoint guiding for missiles or interception. On a Lidar system, you can have all in one system. Some are alreading working on paint to counter it but it could be a nice addition to radar.

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Would that be something the new shiny F-22 is designed for? Make it shiny enough to defeat Lidar.

 

[Quickie]

Would that be something the new shiny F-22 is designed for? Make it shiny enough to defeat Lidar.

Huh? Making it shiny will make it more effective in reflecting light and easier for the Lidar to detect?