6th Generation Fighter Meta Thread

a reply to: paraphi
UK and BAE are in a very strong position as they have been on the front foot in regard to previous work on the Taranis.As long as they dont play with the French again...

a reply to: Blackfinger

They aren't nearly as far ahead as you think.

originally posted by: Blackfinger
a reply to: paraphi
UK and BAE are in a very strong position as they have been on the front foot in regard to previous work on the Taranis.As long as they dont play with the French again...

I think it comes down to if we need their share of the sales. We have a world best engine company, a world best design and integration company, world best radar and avionics (yes it’s now owned by Leonardo but that is still British owned IP and Brains), Martin Baker just across the sea, there isn’t much we need from any of them, except the European market!

a reply to: Zaphod58
But still in a better position than China or Russia..

a reply to: Blackfinger

Going off on a bit of a tangent, I would really like to see different approaches adopted by the Western consortiums for 6th generation fighters. If all everyone comes up with is basically different variations of a slightly smaller/larger F-22...then that's a fail.

But if we end up with a grab bag of F-22 successors, of small stealthy wingman drones, hypersonic strike aircraft, stealthy bomber sized platforms that are missile carriers, tiny drones that can mimic much larger costlier aircraft that cost maybe a $500,000 each but require at least 5 $2 million dollar missiles for a 50% kill probability etc etc...THAT would be incredible and a fine way to spend money. You would send enemies broke trying to counter these vastly different capabilities...assuming you don't go broke developing them yourself...

www.defensenews.com...

a reply to: anzha

Is this concerning? eng.mod.gov.cn...

a reply to: Masisoar

Israel collaborates with the Chinese already, extensively, if quietly.

Doesnt Israel play with really anyone if they can get a good deal?
Spain,French,German and Chinese?What can go wrong there....

a reply to: Masisoar
That was almost 3 1/2 years ago, much has changed since then. I wouldn't get too concerned.

a reply to: Zaphod58
Was it not you who said on another thread a few months back that what the UK had planned for the Tempest would make the F-35 look like it was nothing? I wouldn't write down the UK too much, they are probably next on the ladder after the US, possibly equal or ahead slightly in some areas provided they have a clear funding path.

a reply to: thebozeian

The UK builds a large portion of the F-35 bits and pieces, and has access to a lot of the higher up US programs, being such a close ally. If they can keep funding going, you're absolutely right that they can become quite the powerhouse behind us.

a reply to: anzha

Agreed.

Didnt reaction engine tech start in the Uk and then get bought out by P&W?

originally posted by: Blackfinger
Didnt reaction engine tech start in the Uk and then get bought out by P&W?

No. Reaction Engines is a UK company. BAE has a stake. The UK Government and other companies e.g. Rolls Royce and Boeing have invested, but not in equity. RE does have a research facilities in Colorado though.

a reply to: paraphi
Thanks

breakingdefense.com...

NGAD got a 7% shave on its appropriated budget.

a reply to: anzha
Not so important easy to replace with 70 millions of black budget.

theaviationist.com...

a reply to: anzha
If you squint your eyes it sorta looks like a Firefox...