Sixth Generation fighter aircraft is a conceptual new generation of fighter aircraft predicted to be operational in the 2020-2050 timeframe.
They will be superior in terms of range, stealth, self-healing structures, and speed when compared to current fifth-generation fighters.
Which of the sixth-generation fighters showcased do you believe is the fastest?
It is impossible to analyze because they have not yet been operational, but based on the engines utilized, military analyst reports, and company claims, we could present the estimated speed comparison of the 6th-generation fighters.
F/A-XX sixth-generation fighter
This is a development and procurement program for a future air superiority fighter of the sixth generation to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in the United States Navy.
In February 2015, Chief of Naval Operations Jonathan Greenert claimed that the F/A-XX would not rely on speed as much as previous-generation jet fighters due to improved signature identification and the proliferation of high-speed anti-aircraft weapons.
Instead, the fighter will be equipped with a wide range of modern advanced armaments to overwhelm or suppress opponent air defenses and assure survivability and dominance.
Reports have estimated that its speed will limit approximately up to 1,190 mph or Mach 1.5.
FCAS: Future Combat Air System
The next 6th generation fighter having a speed higher than the F/A-XX is the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). This is a European combat system of systems under development by Dassault Aviation, Airbus, Indra Sistemas, and Thales Group.
Safran Aircraft Engines will be the primary contractor for the next-generation fighter aircraft engine, leading in engine design and integration, while MTU Aero Engines will lead in engine services as the major partner for the initial phase of research and technology.
This fighter thus will be powered with two MTU/Safran afterburning engines developing between 20,000 pounds and 30,000 pounds of thrust, each expecting a speed of 1243 miles per hour or Mach 1.6,
Mitsubishi F-X.
Next is the Mitsubishi F-X. This is a sixth-generation stealth fighter in development for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.
It will be powered with two IHI XF9-1 after-burning turbofan engines developing 22,000 pounds dry thrust, each up to 30,000 pounds of thrust, each with reheat.
The XF9 engines include three-dimensional thrust vector nozzles, allowing the aircraft to achieve exceptional high maneuverability while improving stealth.
It is expected to have a speed of 1460 miles per hour or Mach 1.9.
The BAE Systems Tempest.
As a potential addition to the Royal Air Force’s arsenal, the United Kingdom is currently developing a new generation of jet fighter aircraft.
It will incorporate stealth technology and be able to fly unmanned. two Rolls-Royce afterburning turbofan engines of an unknown model that will power this aircraft.
The aircraft’s two generators can provide 10 times more power than Typhoons. Reports have estimated that it will go up to a top speed of 1553 miles per hour or Mach 2.
Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD F-X)
This is a United States Air Force sixth-generation fighter initiative to field a “family of systems” to supersede the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.
Although the NGAD fighter may be significantly larger than existing air superiority fighters, it is projected to perform much better than the current fighters in use today.
The editorial director of Air Force Magazine, John Tirpak, claims that the NGAD will be able to reach speeds of up to Mach 2.8 and altitudes of up to 70,000 feet.
Mikoyan PAK DP / MiG-41
Mikoyan is developing this Russian stealth interceptor/heavy fighter to replace the MiG-31 in the Russian Air Force in the mid-2030s.
This next-gen aircraft may have a speed of Mach 3 or 2,300 miles per hour, and it’s speculated to get high between the stratopause and the Tropopause that is below 45000 meters and above 12000 meters. The plane would be able to cover most of Russia’s vast territory in a very short period.
The Su-57‘s new Izdeliye 30 engines might power this plane. Director General of RSK MiG Ilya Tarasenko told RT that he believed it would be a brand new construction capable of Mach numbers 4-4.3 and fitted with an anti-missile laser.
J-28
The last sixth-generation jet is the Chinese J-28. This sixth-generation Chinese stealth fighter is capable of full-frequency stealth at high speeds and altitudes.
More sophisticated aerodynamic structure, a new control system, and considerably increased airborne radar capabilities that can strike ground targets are also prominent features of China’s sixth-generation “Fire Dragon” multi-role fighter.
No reports have been revealed about its speed and engines.
