The U.S. Air Force is placing a significant bet on its Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, funneling billions into the development of a potential last-of-its-kind stealth fighter and accompanying technology that could render the traditional fighter jet obsolete.
Amid growing global military competition, particularly from China and Russia, the NGAD program stands as a testament to the Air Force’s commitment to maintaining air superiority into the next era of warfare.
The program, known for its innovative approach and hefty price tag, is not only pioneering a sixth-generation airframe to replace the venerable F-22 Raptor but is also introducing over 1,000 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) to forge a more effective combat force.
The NGAD is a reflection of both advancement and adaptation in aerospace technology, emphasizing stealth, digital design, and a system-of-systems approach to warfare.
With a budget request approaching $3 billion, the NGAD project is a highly classified endeavor that hints at a blend of manned and unmanned capabilities.
The Air Force anticipates operational readiness in the 2030s, ensuring that its combat readiness and technological edge endure amidst increasing geopolitical tensions.
The NGAD’s expected multi-billion dollar cost, an estimated $300 million per aircraft, is rationalized by the comparably lower cost of the CCAs, which are less capable than their sixth-generation counterparts.
These drones are envisioned to augment the manned fighters, creating “mass” and complexity on the battlefield by sowing confusion and compelling adversaries to reveal their positions.
The Air Force envisions initially procuring 200 NGAD fighters and 1,000 unmanned CCAs, with plans to pair two CCAs per NGAD fighter and another two per F-35. The program has progressed to the engineering, manufacturing, and design phase, with a contract for the combat jet platform expected to be awarded in 2024.
The NGAD’s propulsion system is also at the forefront of innovation, with Pratt & Whitney completing a critical design review of its engine prototype, known as XA103. The next-generation adaptive propulsion (NGAP) system will emphasize survivability, fuel efficiency, power, and thermal management—essential attributes for future air dominance platforms.
Digital engineering plays a pivotal role in accelerating aircraft development and production, potentially cutting costs while an open architecture platform aims to facilitate upgrades and reduce sustainment expenses.
This cutting-edge technology underpins the Air Force’s broader strategy to expand the industrial base and fast-track innovative warfighting capabilities.
Despite the staggering costs associated with the NGAD program—$16 billion projected over the next five years—the Air Force remains steadfast in its push to stay ahead of the curve. With the NGAD fighter jet serving as the centerpiece of this ambitious endeavor, the future of U.S. air superiority appears to be on a transformative trajectory.
As nations around the globe advance their military capabilities, the NGAD program epitomizes the U.S. Air Force’s resolve to not just keep pace but to set a new standard for what defines air dominance.
The imminent introduction of this next-generation airframe, accompanied by a swarm of collaborative drones, is poised to redefine aerial combat and secure the skies for years to come.
Relevant articles:
– NGAD Might Be the Last Stealth Fighter of the U.S. Air Force, The National Interest
– NGAD 6th Generation Fighter Will Replace F-22 Raptor. It Won’t Come Cheap, nationalinterest.org
– Forget the F-22 and F-35: The U.S. Air Force Wants NGAD Fighters, The National Interest
– Next Generation Air Dominance Programme, US, Air Force Technology