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Stealth superwing: Next generation 'Air Dominance' fighter jet ..will have built in laser weapons
www.dailymail.co.uk ^ | 18:20 EST, 14 December 2015 | By Mark Prigg

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 ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Computers/Internet; Military/Veterans; Science
KEYWORDS: airforce; laser; stealth; weapons
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To: tophat9000
You didn't appreciate the Vought V-173.

Yeah, some what lacking in speed and armament.

41 posted on 12/15/2015 11:24:27 AM PST by Calvin Locke
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To: Patton@Bastogne

Our YAL-1A (Airborne Laser) was flying at 40,000 ft firing a megawatt laser at “tens of kilometers” (50) from boost-phase ICBMs circa 2010-2011.

Different from the DANG, a new USA drone (UCAV) uses an electric laser while flying at 65,000 ft firing the same power level at potentially “hundreds of kilometers” away for survivability against air defenses.

A “low-power demonstrator” of the above is planned to fly circa 2021.


42 posted on 12/15/2015 11:30:56 AM PST by Southack (The one thing preppers need from the 1st World? http://tinyurl.com/ktfwljc .)
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To: Toliph

I suspect this fighter won’t be manned or controlled from the ground.


43 posted on 12/15/2015 11:33:40 AM PST by MeganC (The Republic of The United States of America: 7/4/1776 to 6/26/2015 R.I.P.)
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To: Southack

nice ...


44 posted on 12/15/2015 11:36:16 AM PST by Patton@Bastogne
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To: Southack

is the air density the factor ?


45 posted on 12/15/2015 11:37:16 AM PST by Patton@Bastogne
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To: DoodleDawg
Let’s see if they can get the last generation of stealth fighters to work right first.

They're having to tow our newest destroyer around.


46 posted on 12/15/2015 11:53:54 AM PST by 867V309 (Trump: Bull in a RINO Shoppe)
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To: Southack
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.

That is exactly what I was thinking. Sub-orbital provides air superiority over enemy high altitude craft where there is less atmospheric attenuation. They mentioned multi-armament in the summary. I assume that is to continue the attack if enemy aircraft dip into cloud cover to avoid the lasers.
47 posted on 12/15/2015 11:54:38 AM PST by PA Engineer (Liberate America from the Occupation Media. #2ndAmendmentMatters)
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To: Patton@Bastogne

Yup. YAL-1A showed that we could put useful devices up into higher alts...which is why it was cancelled.

Flying a big COIL laser at 40,000 feet alt is silly (workable, but 50km range, toxic chems, etc.).

Flying an unmanned drone at 65,000 feet while equipped with an electric laser is, in contrast, more appealing.

She’ll be airborne in 2021 or close to it.


48 posted on 12/15/2015 11:55:27 AM PST by Southack (The one thing preppers need from the 1st World? http://tinyurl.com/ktfwljc .)
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To: Patton@Bastogne

Little River Band


49 posted on 12/15/2015 11:57:38 AM PST by Travis T. OJustice (I miss my dad.)
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To: Red Badger

>>>clearer direction from the Pentagon<<<

Now that there is funny after experiencing the F-35 Boondoggle.


50 posted on 12/15/2015 12:00:31 PM PST by Kickass Conservative (Obama, unable to call a Spade a Spade...)
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To: Travis T. OJustice

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDZyG0KJqik


51 posted on 12/15/2015 12:01:37 PM PST by Patton@Bastogne
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To: Patton@Bastogne

Sometimes I like this one when I’m drunk and bummed out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bKwRW0l-Qk


52 posted on 12/15/2015 12:11:13 PM PST by Travis T. OJustice (I miss my dad.)
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To: SampleMan

LOL!..............


53 posted on 12/15/2015 12:12:47 PM PST by Red Badger (READ MY LIPS: NO MORE BUSHES!...............)
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To: SampleMan

I’m thinking the writer meant HYPER-sonic speeds...........


54 posted on 12/15/2015 12:13:57 PM PST by Red Badger (READ MY LIPS: NO MORE BUSHES!...............)
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To: Travis T. OJustice

I’ve met them!..................


55 posted on 12/15/2015 12:14:38 PM PST by Red Badger (READ MY LIPS: NO MORE BUSHES!...............)
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To: Kickass Conservative

Definition:

clearer direction - MORE MONEY.................


56 posted on 12/15/2015 12:15:24 PM PST by Red Badger (READ MY LIPS: NO MORE BUSHES!...............)
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To: tanknetter

Only one more is scheduled - no more money - F35 sucking it all up.


57 posted on 12/15/2015 12:25:31 PM PST by PIF (They came for me and mine ... now it is your turn ...)
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To: PIF

“Entitlements” are “sucking it all up.”


58 posted on 12/15/2015 12:30:50 PM PST by SZonian (Throwing our allegiances to political parties in the long run gave away our liberty.)
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To: SZonian

The mil budgets as I understand only have so much money - and a sizable portion of those services wanting that dud are going toward R&D and purchase - unless of course the plane is an ‘entitlement’.


59 posted on 12/15/2015 12:34:13 PM PST by PIF (They came for me and mine ... now it is your turn ...)
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To: Red Badger

Good deal!


60 posted on 12/15/2015 12:47:31 PM PST by Travis T. OJustice (I miss my dad.)
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