In the near future, the Russian Aerospace Forces will begin to receive serial fifth-generation Su-57 fighters. At the same time, work has already begun in our country to create the next sixth generation equipment, which will have to serve in the distant future. Over the past several years, the 6th generation has occasionally been mentioned in the statements of officials, and the scarce information available of this kind leads to the emergence of various versions, rumors and speculations.
The face of the coming
At the level of general conversations, the topic of the sixth generation of Russian fighters has been discussed for a long time, but only in 2016 it was raised at the official level. Then the question of further development of aviation technology was commented on by the heads of several different organizations. Thanks to this, some of the views of our specialists on the most important issue became known, which in general remain relevant today.
The most important information about the technical appearance of the new fighter in 2016 was disclosed by the management of the Concern "Radioelectronic Technologies". At that time, KRET was already working on the development of equipment for such an aircraft. Subsequently, other organizations also revealed their views. For example, the State Research Institute of Aviation Systems recently raised this topic.
Back in 2016, it became known that the main difference between the 6th generation would be the so-called. optional piloting - the aircraft can be built with or without a cockpit. Automation will be able to take on the duties of a pilot, although some decisions will still remain with the person.
Manned and unmanned fighters will have to work as part of a "flock" - a link of a mixed composition under the control of a person. Members of such a "pack" will perform different actions aimed at solving a common problem. Drones will have to take on the most dangerous jobs, reducing the risks to pilots.
The use of avionics is proposed, capable of fully interacting with the pilot, taking into account his physical and mental capabilities, position, etc. Thus, the pilot will not be exposed to unnecessary stress, and situational awareness and the composition of the "flock" will depend on his position and task.
KRET offers a new architecture for avionics of the "integrated board" type. It provides for the use of a set of electronic units, each of which is capable of performing several functions. One such product can operate as a radar, radio station and electronic warfare system or combine other functions. The presence of a number of multifunctional units expands the capabilities of the aircraft's electronic warfare, and also increases its survivability and combat stability.
The expected increase in flight performance was mentioned. The new technology will be able to approach hypersonic speeds and show improved altitude. The possibility of limited work in near space is not excluded. In particular, the appearance of serial airborne anti-satellite missile systems is possible.
In the 6th generation, special attention is paid to weapons. Fighters will retain the ability to use current bombs and missiles of different classes, but new weapons with improved characteristics are expected to appear. It is also possible to develop weapons "on new physical principles." First of all, the issues of laser weapons are being worked out.
Various measures to improve survivability are proposed and discussed. To do this, it is necessary to improve stealth technologies, develop new models of electronic warfare equipment, etc.
Expected samples
The current state of work on the topic of 6th generation fighters is unknown. Apparently, Russian enterprises continue research and search for solutions for the further development of real samples. The construction and testing of experimental equipment is attributed to the medium term, but certain versions already exist.
Back in 2016, the commander-in-chief of the Aerospace Forces V. Bondarev made an extremely interesting statement. He pointed out that in the course of future modernization, the Su-57 fighter can get new capabilities and, due to this, "change a generation." This machine has a high potential for modernization, which will be used in the future with positive results.
In foreign specialized publications, the version according to which the future sixth-generation fighter is being created within the framework of the "Advanced Long-Range Intercept Aircraft Complex" (PAK DP) program is somewhat popular. Its goal is to create a fighter-interceptor to replace the MiG-31, with better performance.
PAK DP (the unofficial index MiG-41 is also known) must show the high flight speed necessary for a quick exit to the missile launch line. He needs a perfect avionics with advanced detection means and special missile weapons, possibly with an increased firing range. The completion of the PAK DP program is attributed to the mid-twenties.
The exact characteristics of the PAK DP and the technical appearance of such a machine remain unknown. Nevertheless, the announced general information about the project allows us to attribute it to at least the modern 5th generation. This leaves room for speculation in the direction of the next sixth generation. It will not yet be possible to confirm or refute such a version due to the lack of information.
In the context of the 6th generation of fighters, it is also possible to consider the promising S-70 Okhotnik UAV, which is now undergoing flight tests. This vehicle is stealthy, equipped with advanced avionics and is capable of carrying various weapons. Some of the Hunter's features bring to mind past statements about the requirements for new-generation fighters. It can be assumed that the S-70 drone is either the next step towards the 6th generation, or its first representative. He may turn out to be an unmanned participant in the future "pack".
It is not yet possible to say with certainty which generation the new samples will belong to. Su-57 after the upgrade can go from the fifth to the sixth; the same applies to the promising PAK DP. The status and prospects of the S-70 Okhotnik project are also a mystery. So far, it is only clear that work on promising aviation technology continues, and in the future, 6th generation fighters may indeed appear in our country.
Possible enemy
It should be noted that work on the sixth generation fighters is being carried out not only in our country. Other developed nations are also working on the future of their aviation, and the results of such work are expected over the next few years. At the same time, some promising aircraft are already being demonstrated in the form of mock-ups.
In the United States, projects F-X / NGAD for the Air Force and F / A-XX for the Navy are in the early stages. Their task is to create equipment that meets the general requirements for the 6th generation. The Air Force and Navy want to get manned and unmanned aircraft with improved performance and new combat capabilities. Serial production is planned to start at the end of the twenties.
Two projects are being created in Europe at once. France, Germany and Spain are working on the FCAS (Future Combat Air System) project. The shown model of such a machine is distinguished by its characteristic "inconspicuous" contours. The special capabilities provided by the future avionics have been declared. FCAS service will begin in the second half of the thirties.
In the same period, an internationally developed Tempest fighter may enter service. It is made by several companies in the UK, Italy and Sweden, united in the Team Tempest consortium. A mock-up of such a fighter is already being demonstrated, but the expected characteristics and capabilities were mostly not specified.
Backlog for the future
Both in our country and abroad, work has already begun on the topic of future generation fighters. At the moment, all such projects are at the stage of theoretical study and search for basic solutions. The construction and testing of real samples is attributed to the distant future. Production and operation will begin even later - not earlier than the mid-thirties. Such equipment will be able to remain in service almost until the last decades of the current century.
The groundwork for such results in the future is being created right now. Leading countries are still engaged in theoretical research and show only models. In just a few years, more interesting novelties are waiting for us in the form of real samples. Time will tell which country will cope with the task faster and which plane will be better than others. From the latest news, it follows that our country may turn out to be the leader of a whole direction.
