Following the money: Next Generation Air Dominance Platform (6th gen fighters?) news

Roughly $54 million is being sought to increase research and development efforts for the Air Force, including $23.9 million to keep the Air Force’s next-generation fighter program, referred to as “Next Generation Air Dominance” by the service, on schedule to support a 2017 milestone.

The funding is needed to keep “identifying and/or eliminating candidate technologies early in the analysis process to ensure more effective use of planned air superiority investment, and to ensure the Analysis of Alternatives (AoA) incorporates an accurate capability picture. If funds are not received, [Next-Generation Air Dominance] activities will not be able to remain on schedule to support the FY 2017 [Material Development Decision],” according to the reprogramming note.

Why am I getting a bit of a B-21 vibe from this?

www.defensenews.com...

a reply to: anzha


Just a 'fan, guess, but it's a bit different. There really wasn't an alternative to a B-21, technology-wise.

There are potential alternatives to the timetable the AF has for the sixth gen. platform.

On the other hand, staying ahead of the curve has probably been the biggest advantage the U.S. has had over potential adversaries....

a reply to: anzha

The B-21 was the first smart acquisition program in probably 40 years. You'll be seeing more of it going forward.

a reply to: nwtrucker

Well if the Raptor is still the best Fighter and the F-35 has better sensors, there are more advanced engine tech and there are better radars and stealth than on the 22..you could use off the shelf components is a similar airframe to build a "more cost effective" jet like the b-21 approach.

Not sure if that's not just 5th gen though.

a reply to: Forensick

Cost effective 5th gen in sufficient numbers wouldn't be a bad thing.

a reply to: Forensick

Depends on the tech involved. There's off the shelf, and there's off THAT shelf. There's some very interesting, well developed tech that will go into it.

originally posted by: Zaphod58
a reply to: Forensick

Depends on the tech involved. There's off the shelf, and there's off THAT shelf. There's some very interesting, well developed tech that will go into it.

I want to look at THAT shelf!

a reply to: Forensick