Posted on 12/15/2015 10:35:39 AM PST by Red Badger
Northrop Grumman has revealed a tantalising image of a new stealth 'superjet' capable of firing laser weapons.
The so called 'sixth generation fighter' is rumoured to fly at supersonic speeds, although Northrop Grumman, who are developing it, say the specifications are still secret.
The stealth craft is expected to use advanced cooling systems to help disguise its laser systems.
Known internally as NG Air Dominance, the craft features laser weapons. The so called 'sixth generation fighter' is rumoured to fly at supersonic speeds, although Northrop Grumman, who are developing it, say the specifications are still classified. ====================================================================================================================
Chris Hernandez, Northrop's vice president for research, technology and advanced design, told BreakingDefence the sixth-gem fighter will be long range because it won't have many bases to operate from overseas; it must 'carry a lot of weapons;' survivability will be key.
What do those requirements and physics lead you to?
'This looks a lot like a baby B-2 and this is really getting into our sweet spot,' Hernandez said.
Northrop Grumman has two design teams working on the new aircraft.
However, the firm would not discuss the plane's speed, saying that would have to wait for clearer direction from the Pentagon in the future.
It is expected to use laser weapons - and this has caused major problems around heat.
As Northrop president for aerospace Tom Vice said, managing heat will be key.
'Add in all the aircraft's power and thrust systems, and you have an enormous heat challenge,' said Hernandez.
The craft is expected to be used in 2030.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
An F-22 replacement in operational service in 14 years?
That means that prototypes are already flying. Like with the LRB.
Most likely. Would square with the recent enlargement of and land seizure from private landowners of Area 51 perimeter lands..............................
The Russians have already stolen copies of all the blueprints. The Chinese hackers then got the from the Russians.
If it isn’t supersonic then it wont cut the mustard
As long as he F35 took, there is no way it could be produced by 2030 if they didn’t already have a prototype.
Cool. Popcorn for the whole thread.
Continuing to build manned fighters is a waste.
The future is drones.
Unknown at this point....................But lasers are faster than bullets and missiles.......................
I wonder if it can be done in under 1 billion/unit.
This may be one................................
Lasers for targeting maybe. But lasers as weapons are probably more of a gimmick feature. Think bad weather, thick heavy battery, think limited electricity. Maybe they can summon Zeus so he can throw a lightning bolt at the fighter as he is shooting the laser.
In 2030 $1B may be half of what it is today....................
It has taken 20 plus years to get an air borne laser system into a C-130 with all of its cubage and weight carrying capability.
Into a fighter that hasn’t even into 3D mockup yet in 15 years. That’s some really good shit they have! Can I have some, please?
Not to mention also good a shooting down incoming missiles
What kind of “laser weapon?” They’d need a power supply the size of the aircraft to cut or blow something up. Where are all the ground based “laser weapons?”
Incedently, Grumman is now run by affirmative action losers because our government insisted it be made so.
There are some things the wrong people shouldn't know...................
LRB ?
And we’ll all be speaking Turkish. Turkce zor degil.
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