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 ...
Let’s see if they can get the last generation of stealth fighters to work right first.
Long Range Bomber........................
MAybe they were test platforms......................
>>>the aircraft’s power and thrust systems, and you have an enormous heat challenge
So recover and reuse the heat. THAT is the key.
Like I said, the 15 years means that the prototypes are flying. At least airframe, engine and basic flight test avionics.
As to advanced weapons ... the aircraft could have built-in growth potential to absorb them down the road should they reach a targeted weight and power need.
Like how the Zumwalts are going to sea with the 155mm AGS, but have enough electrical generating capacity to backfit a railgun.
Use as electricity to power weapons system and other operational circuitry.................
Breath taking. That will put it on par with 2nd Generation fighters:
“Kent, have you been touching yourself?”
“Used” in 2030? Interesting choice of words.
it takes a 747 to handle the very heavy equipment required to fire an ABM laser ...
looks like the Cylon fighter from Battlestar Galactica is finally here
Mostly they've been used to blow up road mines.
They don't have to be on land:
Like how the Zumwalts are going to sea - both of them ...
Think more along the lines of Israel’s Iron Dome laser defense system (Iron Beam), which is based on the USA’s HEL-MD systems.
4.5 mile range, and entirely useful for knocking down incoming anti-aircraft missiles (and even artillery rounds!).
A fighter equipped with such a defensive system would be “survivable” in an extremely hostile environment.
Of course, such a laser is less useful against enemy fighter pilots who know to stay more than 4.5 miles away, so it isn’t a great offensive weapon.
The DANG (Air Domination Next Gen) aircraft will still need missiles for air to air combat and probably a 250 pound bomb or two for air to ground.
If configured properly, it will be a sub-orbital fighter jet...able to make a brief hop up into Space (for systems cooling and anti-satellite ops)...which would explain why Russia was so anxious for the new Space Weapons ban this year.
Expect to see DANGs equipped with an external, expendable/droppable rocket booster if their mission parameter requires the start of a sortie to begin in sub-orbit.
“say the specifications are still secret.”
I will now reveal the top secret specifications.
Muy Expensivo
Is the aerospace collective just going to sweep the F-35 under the carpet and move on to the future? Maybe it would be best to work out the kinks in the current hardware before going further beyond their intellect.
If all the engineering tricks allegedly employed to make the Zumwalt’s tumblehome hull and wave-piercing bow work in high seas states pan out, chances are we’ll see more that two or three of them built.
And it needs to hold the beam on the target for a good spell to work, something the laser "enthusiasts" on FR always ignore.
I get weary of this idea they seem to have that it is one zap and all is done. The beam needs to cook things, it is not a disintegrator.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.