Today, the US Department of Defense Aeronautical System Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio announced a capability request for information (CRFI) for the development of a sixth-generation fighter. Developer concepts must be submitted by December 17th.
The baseline assessment (CBA - Capability Based Assessment) of the sixth generation fighters provides for the possibility of achieving the initial operational readiness of new aircraft by 2030. This will be the first step towards replacing the fifth generation F-22 Raptor fighters. Only this aircraft will be replaced.
The request for information states that a new generation fighter should have integrated offensive and defensive capabilities, have many functions, such as the ability to carry out air defense and missile defense missions (IAMD - Integrated Air and Missile Defense), provide close air support (CAS - Close Air Support), interception of air targets (AI - Air Interdiction). The aircraft must be able to fully carry out the tasks of electronic warfare and the ability to conduct reconnaissance.
A promising vehicle should have advanced electronic warfare systems, complex integrated air defense systems, detect the enemy in a passive mode of sensor operation, an integrated self-defense system, directed energy weapons and carry out cyber attacks. The fighter should be able to operate in areas with strong air defense, which can be created in 2030-2050.
It is also reported that the US government wants to learn more about the possibility of creating non-kinetic weapons, auxiliary energy sources, a more efficient system for removing heat from the surface of the aircraft and about the concept of optionally manned systems.
