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 ...
Yeah, some what lacking in speed and armament.
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.
I suspect this fighter won’t be manned or controlled from the ground.
nice ...
is the air density the factor ?
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.
Little River Band
>>>clearer direction from the Pentagon<<<
Now that there is funny after experiencing the F-35 Boondoggle.
Sometimes I like this one when I’m drunk and bummed out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bKwRW0l-Qk
LOL!..............
I’m thinking the writer meant HYPER-sonic speeds...........
I’ve met them!..................
Definition:
clearer direction - MORE MONEY.................
Only one more is scheduled - no more money - F35 sucking it all up.
“Entitlements” are “sucking it all up.”
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’.
Good deal!
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