US F/A-XX and F-X 6th Gen Aircraft News Thread

siegecrossbow

General
Staff member
Super Moderator
Agreed! I was going to mention something along those lines. I guess we really don't know how NGAD will progress in relation to past programs. I suspect that they want to reduce risk as much as possible, so I am not sure this will be as big of a leap as from F-15 to F-22.

I think NGAD will be based around a relatively large airframe that focuses on range and stealth. I think it will be in the 48,000lb+ (e.g. F-111 or Su-34) empty weight class. Which may bring it more in line with a fighter/bomber as opposed to just a strict fighter. I suspect, dual seat versions will be on the way as well, especially when the Air Force is openly calling them to be mixed with Loyal Wingman (drones).

Not necessarily. Fighter aircraft size/weight has increased as engine technology has improved. Did you know that F-35 is in the same ballpark as the F-15C in terms of empty weight? Another thing to consider is that even though sixth generation fighters are all doritoes planform wise, there are novel aerodynamic approaches such as movable wingtips and collapsible control surfaces that can allow them to perform stunning maneuvers should the (highly unlikely) need for dogfights arise.
 

SlothmanAllen

Junior Member
Registered Member

Here is the actual full silhouette from the IG story Lockheed posted:

NGAD-sunk-works.jpg


I think it is just a generic teaser. Everyone seems to think that NGAD / 6th Generation aircraft are going to be tailless delta wing-ish (?) fighter jets.

I personally think NGAD is going to be a large aircraft. I would think something like 40,000 to 50,000 lbs empty weight range.
 

anzha

Senior Member
Registered Member
I think it is just a generic teaser. Everyone seems to think that NGAD / 6th Generation aircraft are going to be tailless delta wing-ish (?) fighter jets.

While I've not had a chance to compare, folks have claimed the line drawings is quite close to the RCS model someone caught out in the open not too long ago.

I personally think NGAD is going to be a large aircraft. I would think something like 40,000 to 50,000 lbs empty weight range.

I'm actually expecting higher. I'd guess around 60k to 70k lbs [~27k to 31k kg in civilized units].
 

Nx4eu

New Member
Registered Member
I really hope LM doesn't win the NGAD contract tired of them winning everything. Boeing doesn't stand a chance so it's up to Northrop Grumman. But I cope as a Boeing fan that maybe boeing could win something and deliver for once.
 

TK3600

Captain
Registered Member
I really hope LM doesn't win the NGAD contract tired of them winning everything. Boeing doesn't stand a chance so it's up to Northrop Grumman. But I cope as a Boeing fan that maybe boeing could win something and deliver for once.
Boeing got F-15X already, which they frankly do not deserve.
 

Nx4eu

New Member
Registered Member
Boeing got F-15X already, which they frankly do not deserve.
Sad seeing boeing dragging it's feet in everything and the shithole it's become especially as both mcdonnell douglas and boeing are such legacy companies. F-15EX is just a upgraded F-15E so it hardly feels like anything when Lockheed is getting F-35s and Northrop with B-21. Then boeing comes along and fucks with the Kc-46 program. Boeing screws up the last few chances it gets. But I still pray that phantom works still has a bit of magic left to create and deliver something
 
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