J-20... The New Generation Fighter

Re: New Generation Fighter

vesicles said:

I agree that the UAV is the future. But in the next 20-30 years, I'm not sure about that. Many limitations would still make the UAVs inferior than manned fighters in the main role of the fighters. And F-22 is not perfect. The maneuverability might have reached its limit, but other areas, such as stealth, may need further improvement.

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I agree
I don't think UAV technology and AI is matured to the stage to be able to handle aerial combat effectively against human pilots yet.

I think China will be able to catch up the F-22, and as for the USAF, I feel that it's even possible that if they might still beat around the bush with manned technology to see any breakthroughs the same time.

Re: New Generation Fighter

The next stealth plane might be invisible to the naked eye. I have seen shows on discovery channel that they are able to make a person complete invisible.

F-22 stealth + invisibility = future warplane.

Re: New Generation Fighter

what makes you guys think that China can somehow just skip right over 4th gen and try to match the US in UCAV? China needs to establish the technological and indutrial base building a 4th gen before they can build an advanced UCAV. a lot of the 4th gen technology will be applied and amplified on the next gen UCAV. Chinese engineers are as good as anyone in designing the stuff, but actually making it is a whole different ball game, i think China definitely needs a hands-on experience before they can go any further. besides, UCAV is prolly 20-30 years later. wont fulfill China's needs right now.

Re: New Generation Fighter

twodollarss said:

The next stealth plane might be invisible to the naked eye. I have seen shows on discovery channel that they are able to make a person complete invisible.

F-22 stealth + invisibility = future warplane.

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I think you are talking about a show called "Impossible" on the History channel. In one episode, they talk about a Japanese professor found out how to make a person transparent. Note that I used the word "transparent", not "invisible". You can still tell there is something there. Only now, you can see what's behind that person.

Plus making the plane "invisible" will not fool the instruments. It can still be detected by radar and its heat signature is still "visible".

Based on my limited understanding, I think the key to improve F-22 should be the ability to carry more payload. Now, it is limited to only the internal weapon's bay (can someone help me with the equivalent # of hardpoints on the F-22?). It would be nice if they can carry more load.

Re: New Generation Fighter

vesicles said:

I think you are talking about a show called "Impossible" on the History channel. In one episode, they talk about a Japanese professor found out how to make a person transparent. Note that I used the word "transparent", not "invisible". You can still tell there is something there. Only now, you can see what's behind that person.

Plus making the plane "invisible" will not fool the instruments. It can still be detected by radar and its heat signature is still "visible".

Based on my limited understanding, I think the key to improve F-22 should be the ability to carry more payload. Now, it is limited to only the internal weapon's bay (can someone help me with the equivalent # of hardpoints on the F-22?). It would be nice if they can carry more load.

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The F-22 does have external hardpoints. Ideally in combat the first wave of F-22s would go in full stealth to knock out defenses and establish control over enemy air space, and the second wave would come in with bombs mounted on external hardpoints.

That and I hear they're looking to create stealth pods in order to carry ordinance externally as well.

Re: New Generation Fighter

actually some f22 have external hardpoint to carry extra fuel

Re: New Generation Fighter

vesicles said:

...
Based on my limited understanding, I think the key to improve F-22 should be the ability to carry more payload. Now, it is limited to only the internal weapon's bay (can someone help me with the equivalent # of hardpoints on the F-22?). It would be nice if they can carry more load.

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It can....It already carries external tank for some long range travel, and external weapons are also an option




* not sure how accurate these are, but should give you an idea

Re: New Generation Fighter

lilzz said:

The good news is F-22 should be the last manned fighter. most likely there won't be a 6th generation manned fighter, The limitation is not because of the machine but human bodies. I have read the US pilots of F-22 have often passed out due the plane doing crazy stuffs behind the limit of human bodies. F-22 is too powerful and reaching the limit of the human bodies.

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Aircraft have been too powerful for human bodies long before F-22. Many fighters from 1970's had artificial G-limiters because they can turn or climb too fast and kill the pilot. The software protects the pilot in F-22 just as it did before.

UAV have been desired by the military even before F-22's. They are cheaper, don't risk human lives, and can accelerate fast without worrying about killing the pilot. The reason they will switch to UAV's after F-22 is that UAV technology was not good enough until now. Now it has started getting advanced enough to replace fighters. But it will still take some time. 30 years at least.

Re: New Generation Fighter

F-22's mission isnt to knock out enemy air defence ppl, they cant carry that much munition. their job is to escort B-2, and to achieve air superiority.

londo i dont think UCAV at its initial stage is gonna be very cheap, but i think its definitely the way to go in the future. i think another thing that might potentially improve a UCAV's performance is the fact that since the pilot isnt in any danger, he is under less stress in combat, which prolly leads to better performance against a manned fighter. the question now lies in the tactical aspect, since UCAV's are controlled by wireless signals, doesnt that make the pilots susceptible to ARM's?

Re: New Generation Fighter

pla101prc said:

F-22's mission isnt to knock out enemy air defence ppl, they cant carry that much munition. their job is to escort B-2, and to achieve air superiority.

londo i dont think UCAV at its initial stage is gonna be very cheap, but i think its definitely the way to go in the future. i think another thing that might potentially improve a UCAV's performance is the fact that since the pilot isnt in any danger, he is under less stress in combat, which prolly leads to better performance against a manned fighter. the question now lies in the tactical aspect, since UCAV's are controlled by wireless signals, doesnt that make the pilots susceptible to ARM's?

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That problem can be minimised. Remote commands will only be sparingly used for decisive actions. Off the communication link, AI will be able to replace most if not all the pilot's functions on the UCAV.