The World's 4th, 4.5 & 5th Generation Fighters

S

Scratch

Captain
Re: Boeing's answer to the 4.5 gen aircraft market

Another aspect of Boeing's drive to upgrade existing platforms with latest technology, and one that hasn't been talked about here, yet.

The 4.75gen Super Hornet Block III:

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Boeing Bombshells
Posted by Bill Sweetman at 7/20/2010 7:03 AM CDT

Boeing is in production on at least one "proprietary" strike weapon system, vice-president and general manager of global strike systems Shelley Lavender disclosed here today. Further questions elicited a firm "I have nothing further for you on that."

More details were available of a new set of modifications to the Super Hornet, described as "a roadmap for the international market" but designed to be retrofitted to any Block 2 aircraft. The most visible change is a stealth-configured weapon pod designed to accommodate a range of weapons, including four AMRAAMs, but other changes include conformal fuel tanks and more powerful engines.

Boeing's been quietly talking about a "beyond Block 2" Super Hornet configuration since around 2005, and its low observable team has been working on ways to reduce the signatures of conventional aircraft. (Competitor EADS, by the way, assesses the existing aircraft as one of the stealthiest fighters out there, other than full-LO designs.) Today's disclosure, however, may indicate that slippage in the F-35 program has encouraged the company to be more aggressive. ...
Click to expand...

Indeed a little dated actually, but still interesting.
The US navy just
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, or about $43M per aircraft, rather good value for money I would say when looking at the SH current capabilities. Later Block III upgrades appear quite possible. And with the JSF facing problems, Boeing might have a chance here, at least on the international market. (India ...)
The US won't let the JSF down as they more or less need the program to succeed and make the step to full 5th gen. But with defense butgets under pressure around the world such almost 5gen packages offered by Boeing seem to be an interesting path.
On a side note, I think JSF A & C models are slightly ahead of the current test schedule and have an IOC planned for early 2016 now, while the B model is somewhat behind schedule, but the Marines insist on their late 2012 IOC still practical.

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kwaigonegin

kwaigonegin

Colonel
glimpse of future Gen 5++ fighter

Just saw this article on flightglobal. Interesting read.

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siegecrossbow

siegecrossbow

General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Re: glimpse of future Gen 5++ fighter

What is up with Boeing and ugly plane designs lol. The head on this plane is way too big. Since the plane size is so small (about that of an advanced trainer) can we assume that this plane is carrier based?
 
T-U-P

T-U-P

The Punisher
Staff member
Super Moderator
Registered Member
Re: glimpse of future Gen 5++ fighter

siegecrossbow said:
What is up with Boeing and ugly plane designs lol. The head on this plane is way too big. Since the plane size is so small (about that of an advanced trainer) can we assume that this plane is carrier based?
Click to expand...

indeed, looking at the size of the fuselage, i wonder how big its weapon bay is.
 
SteelBird

SteelBird

Colonel
Re: glimpse of future Gen 5++ fighter

Is this a real project or just some fan-boy's art? If it is real, how do it turn left and right?
 
M

maxx

New Member
Re: glimpse of future Gen 5++ fighter

Probably by making one engine producing more thrust than the other. Just did a quick search on google, there's another method - by creating more drag on one side through air brake. Quite revolutionary.
 
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