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    The F/A-xx Program By The US Navy Is Paving The Way For The Future Of Air Warfare Through The Development Of 6th Generation Stealth Fighters

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    The United States Navy is aggressively pursuing a future where air superiority is defined by a new breed of aircraft, the 6th generation stealth fighter known as the F/A-XX. The F/A-XX is a program to develop and acquire a sixth-generation air superiority fighter to replace the US Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. While details remain shrouded in secrecy, the F/A-XX has now entered the design maturation phase, signaling a significant advancement in its development trajectory.

    The F/A-XX initiative, part of the broader Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) system. The program includes the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), which act as “loyal wingmen” to the F/A-XX, thus extending the manned fighter’s operational reach and capabilities. “The Navy is prioritizing operational reach on top of operational capacity for the program,” explained Cmdr. Mark Cochran during a Tailhook Symposium panel discussion, as reported by Aviation Week.

    “We can expect artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to be incorporated into the NGAD, acting as a co-pilot for the manned aircraft and allowing the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to act independently,” Suciu reported. “In other words, the drones won’t require constant directions from the manned aircraft – they’ll follow orders, of course, but still show initiative.

    The Air Force’s parallel NGAD program also foresees the incorporation of AI, further blurring the lines between man and machine in aerial warfare. The NGAD program, part of a system of systems, will feature a sixth-generation fighter and autonomous support aircraft. Originating in a 2014 DARPA Air Dominance Initiative study, its aim is air superiority, yet it is not merely a standalone aircraft.

    FILE PHOTO — The F-22 is an air-superiority fighter with improved capability over current Air Force aircraft. From the inception of the battle, the F-22’s primary objective will be to establish air superiority through the conduct of counter air operations. The F-22 also has an inherent air-to-surface capability. A combination of improved sensor capability, improved situational awareness, and improved weapons provides first-kill opportunity against the threat. (U.S. Air Force photo)

    The NGAD is similar to the F-22 in that it will be expensive and will leverage the achievements of the F-22. In the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget request, the Air Force designated $1.66 billion for the NGAD program.

    A 90th Fighter Squadron F-22A Raptor escorts a Russian TU-95 Bear flying near the Alaskan NORAD Region airspace Nov. 22, 2007. This marked the first time a Raptor was called upon to support the ANR mission. (U.S. Air Force photo)

    The F/A-XX is anticipated to encompass a wide array of missions, including air-to-air combat, ground attack, surface warfare, and close air support.Platform requirements include supercruise capabilities as well as advanced next-generation stealth features, sensors, and radars with networking adaptability. Additional missions and capabilities include air-to-air refueling, reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA), and electronic warfare and countermeasures.

    Internationally, the race to the 6th generation fighter jet is intensifying. European counterparts are working diligently on projects like the British-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with European partners. Simultaneously, other global powers, including Russia and Turkey, are believed to be pursuing similar advancements, each aiming to field the first operational 6th generation combat aircraft.

    While it’s uncertain which nation will achieve this milestone first,  the US will strive to be the first to produce a sixth-generation fighter.

    related images you might be interested.

    FILE PHOTO — An F-22 Raptor in full afterburner during flight testing at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The Raptor is the replacement for the F-15 Eagle. It is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, combining a revolutionary leap in technology and capability with reduced support requirements and maintenance costs. The F-22’s integrated avionics gives it first-look, first-shot, first-kill capability that guarantees U.S. air dominance for decades. (U.S. Air Force photo)
    An F-22 Raptor flies over Kadena Air Base, Japan, Jan. 23 on a routine training mission. The F-22 is deployed from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. Andy Dunaway)
    An F-22 Raptor shoots out a flare during an air combat training mission Jan. 15. The F-22 is deployed to Kadena Air Base, Japan, from the 27th Fighter Squadron at Langley Air Force Base, Va., in support of U.S. Pacific Command. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Clay Lancaster)
    OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN — An F-15 Eagle banks left while an F/A-22 Raptor flies in formation en route to a training area off the coastline of Virginia on April 5. The 27th Fighter Squadron is performing regular operations with two Raptors on loan from Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla. The first Langley Air Force Base, Va., F-22 is due to arrive within the next month. The F-15 is assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing at Langley AFB. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Ben Bloker)

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