The Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) is a United States Air Force (USAF) sixth-generation air superiority initiative with a goal of fielding a "family of systems" that is to succeed the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor.[1][2] A manned fighter aircraft is the centerpiece program of NGAD and has been referred to as the F-X or Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA) and is to be supported by uncrewed "Loyal Wingman" platforms through manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).[3]
The NGAD originates from DARPA's Air Dominance Initiative study in 2014, and is expected to field the new fighter aircraft in the 2030s. While having an identical name and sharing some technology developments, the program is distinct from the U.S. Navy's NGAD program, which has the F/A-XX as its fighter component and would have a similar fielding timeframe.
The NGAD was initiated in 2014 to develop a 2030s air superiority system for the U.S. Air Force. DARPA had completed its Air Dominance Initiative study in March 2014 and in 2015 launched the Aerospace Innovation Initiative to develop X-plane prototypes to demonstrate technology for future aircraft. In 2016, the USAF followed up DARPA's study with the Air Superiority 2030 (AS 2030) flight plan, but while the plan stated the need for a family of systems, it was still focused on a specific member of the family called the F-X or Penetrating Counter-Air (PCA).[4][5] In 2018, AS 2030 evolved into the NGAD and expanded its focus from a single addition towards a suite of capabilities.[6]
The NGAD aims to develop several key technologies in areas such as propulsion, stealth, advanced weapons,[7] digital design (CAD-based engineering),[8][9] and thermal management of the aircraft signature.[10] The program changes traditional Air Force acquisition[11] by the separation of design, production, and support functions in the development process with a $9 billion budget through 2025.[12][13] More frequent industry competitions and simulations in the design and manufacturing process are characteristic of the development program.[14] NGAD is described as a "family of systems", with a fighter aircraft as the centerpiece of the system, and other parts of the system likely to be uncrewed escort aircraft to carry extra munitions and perform other missions.[15] In particular, NGAD aims to develop a system that addresses the operation needs of the Pacific theater of operations, where current USAF fighters lack sufficient range and payload. USAF commanders have noted that there may be two variants of NGAD: one with long range and payload for the Indo-Pacific and one more oriented to the relatively short ranges between possible battle areas in Europe.[15] The fighter is expected to leverage adaptive cycle engines being developed under the Adaptive Engine Transition Program (AETP) and Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion (NGAP) program, with flight ready engines expected by 2025.[16]
The crewed fighter component of the NGAD was briefly envisioned to follow the rapid development and procurement cycles of the "Century Series" fighter aircraft of the 1950s and 1960s; dubbed "Digital Century Series" by Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (SAF/AQ) Will Roper, fighter designs would be continually iterated to enable the rapid insertion of new technology and procured in small batches. In September 2020, Roper stated that a full-scale prototype of the NGAD fighter aircraft has been flown.[17] In May 2021, chief of staff of the USAF General Brown stated that the NGAD will start replacing the F-22 once it is operational in sufficient quantity, with the fielding goal in the 2030s.[18] The F-22 has also been used to test NGAD technology and some advances are expected to be applied to the F-22 as well.[19] Due to the complexity and sophistication of modern aircraft design, however, the "Digital Century Series" concept was eventually abandoned in lieu of a more traditional development and procurement approach. In June 2022, the program has moved into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) phase.[20][21]
Developments
The cost of each plane was not disclosed by Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, but is expected to be in the hundreds of millions. "Its going to be an expensive airplane" - Frank Kendall [22]
SMG Consulting shared an infographic on the program, showing dimensions, cost, and combat radius. The depiction is based on the Lockheed Martin 6th gen fighter artist impressions.[23][24]
^"CSAF: F-22 Not in USAF's Long-Term Plan". Air Force Magazine. 12 May 2021. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
^"The Air Force Is Planning For a Future Without the F-22". Defense One. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
^Department of the Air Force Acquisition Biennial Report 2019 + 2020 (PDF) (Report). U.S. Air Force. p. 55.
^Trimble, Steve (21 September 2020). "The Nearly Decade-long Story That Led To NGAD Flight Demonstrator". Aviation Week.
^"Introduction to the Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance Program". USNI News. 6 October 2020.
^Albon, Courtney. “Air Force Extends AOA for NGAD, Moves Away from Single Fighter Platform.” Inside the Air Force, vol. 29, no. 38, Inside Washington Publishers, 2018, pp. 3–4, JSTOR website Retrieved 10 March 2022.
^"Air Force Next Generation Air Dominance Program: An Introduction". Congressional Research Service. 5 October 2020.
^Theresa Hitchens (9 Jul 2021) Digital Design Revolution Key To All Domain Ops: Air & Space Officials Say
^Valerie Insinna (9 Jul 2021) How two F-16s from the US Air Force’s ‘boneyard’ will find a second life as digital models
^Jeremiah Gertler (5 Oct 2020) Air Force Next-Generation Air Dominance Program: An Introduction IF11659
^Morgan Dwyer. (8 November 2019). "The Air Force Digital Century Series: Beyond the Buzzwords". CSIS.org. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
^Gertler, Jeremiah. (5 October 2020). "Air Force Next-Generation Air Dominance Program: An Introduction". Congressional Research Service. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
^Harper, Jon. (21 September 2021). "AFA NEWS: Air Force's NGAD Program 'Progressing Per Plan'". National Defense Magazine. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
^Mandy Mayfield. (14 July 2020). "JUST IN: Air Force ‘Digital Century Series’ Acquisition Concept Nearing Milestone". National Defense Magazine website Retrieved 10 March 2022.
^ abTirpak, John (16 June 2021). "Brown: NGAD Will be a Multirole Fighter". Air Force Magazine.
^Trimble, Steven (31 July 2020). "Budget Shows Flightworthy Sixth-Generation Fighter Engines". Aviation Week.
^Insinna, Valerie (15 September 2020). "The US Air Force has built and flown a mysterious full-scale prototype of its future fighter jet". Defense News.
^Tirpak, John (13 May 2021). "New Force Design: NGAD Needed Soon, F-22 Sunset Begins in 2030". Air Force Magazine.
^"F-22 Being Used To Test Next Generation Air Dominance 'Fighter' Tech". The War Zone. 25 April 2022.
^Losey, Stephen (1 June 2022). "The Air Force's next-gen fighter has moved into a critical new phase". Defense News.
^Tirpak, John (24 June 2022). "Kendall Dispenses With Roper's Quick NGAD Rhythm; System is Too Complex". Air Force Magazine.
^Losey, Stephen (28 April 2022). "Future NGAD fighter jets could cost 'hundreds of millions' apiece". Defense News. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
^[1] Next Generation Air Dominance - SMG Consulting
^"SMG Consulting on LinkedIn: #military #nextgeneration #fighter #usairforce". www.linkedin.com. Retrieved 12 January 2023.
January 30, 2023
next, generation, dominance, ngad, united, states, force, usaf, sixth, generation, superiority, initiative, with, goal, fielding, family, systems, that, succeed, lockheed, martin, raptor, manned, fighter, aircraft, centerpiece, program, ngad, been, referred, p. The Next Generation Air Dominance NGAD is a United States Air Force USAF sixth generation air superiority initiative with a goal of fielding a family of systems that is to succeed the Lockheed Martin F 22 Raptor 1 2 A manned fighter aircraft is the centerpiece program of NGAD and has been referred to as the F X or Penetrating Counter Air PCA and is to be supported by uncrewed Loyal Wingman platforms through manned unmanned teaming MUM T 3 Next Generation Air Dominance NGAD Project for Air superiority fighterIssued by United States Air ForceDate initiated 2014Related programs Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion NGAP F A XX program Navy The NGAD originates from DARPA s Air Dominance Initiative study in 2014 and is expected to field the new fighter aircraft in the 2030s While having an identical name and sharing some technology developments the program is distinct from the U S Navy s NGAD program which has the F A XX as its fighter component and would have a similar fielding timeframe Contents 1 History 2 Developments 3 See also 4 ReferencesHistory EditThe NGAD was initiated in 2014 to develop a 2030s air superiority system for the U S Air Force DARPA had completed its Air Dominance Initiative study in March 2014 and in 2015 launched the Aerospace Innovation Initiative to develop X plane prototypes to demonstrate technology for future aircraft In 2016 the USAF followed up DARPA s study with the Air Superiority 2030 AS 2030 flight plan but while the plan stated the need for a family of systems it was still focused on a specific member of the family called the F X or Penetrating Counter Air PCA 4 5 In 2018 AS 2030 evolved into the NGAD and expanded its focus from a single addition towards a suite of capabilities 6 The NGAD aims to develop several key technologies in areas such as propulsion stealth advanced weapons 7 digital design CAD based engineering 8 9 and thermal management of the aircraft signature 10 The program changes traditional Air Force acquisition 11 by the separation of design production and support functions in the development process with a 9 billion budget through 2025 12 13 More frequent industry competitions and simulations in the design and manufacturing process are characteristic of the development program 14 NGAD is described as a family of systems with a fighter aircraft as the centerpiece of the system and other parts of the system likely to be uncrewed escort aircraft to carry extra munitions and perform other missions 15 In particular NGAD aims to develop a system that addresses the operation needs of the Pacific theater of operations where current USAF fighters lack sufficient range and payload USAF commanders have noted that there may be two variants of NGAD one with long range and payload for the Indo Pacific and one more oriented to the relatively short ranges between possible battle areas in Europe 15 The fighter is expected to leverage adaptive cycle engines being developed under the Adaptive Engine Transition Program AETP and Next Generation Adaptive Propulsion NGAP program with flight ready engines expected by 2025 16 The crewed fighter component of the NGAD was briefly envisioned to follow the rapid development and procurement cycles of the Century Series fighter aircraft of the 1950s and 1960s dubbed Digital Century Series by Assistant Secretary of the Air Force SAF AQ Will Roper fighter designs would be continually iterated to enable the rapid insertion of new technology and procured in small batches In September 2020 Roper stated that a full scale prototype of the NGAD fighter aircraft has been flown 17 In May 2021 chief of staff of the USAF General Brown stated that the NGAD will start replacing the F 22 once it is operational in sufficient quantity with the fielding goal in the 2030s 18 The F 22 has also been used to test NGAD technology and some advances are expected to be applied to the F 22 as well 19 Due to the complexity and sophistication of modern aircraft design however the Digital Century Series concept was eventually abandoned in lieu of a more traditional development and procurement approach In June 2022 the program has moved into the Engineering and Manufacturing Development EMD phase 20 21 Developments EditThe cost of each plane was not disclosed by Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall but is expected to be in the hundreds of millions Its going to be an expensive airplane Frank Kendall 22 SMG Consulting shared an infographic on the program showing dimensions cost and combat radius The depiction is based on the Lockheed Martin 6th gen fighter artist impressions 23 24 See also EditGlobal Combat Air Programme Mikoyan PAK DP Future Combat Air System BAE Systems TempestReferences Edit CSAF F 22 Not in USAF s Long Term Plan Air Force Magazine 12 May 2021 Retrieved 26 May 2021 The Air Force Is Planning For a Future Without the F 22 Defense One Retrieved 26 May 2021 Department of the Air Force Acquisition Biennial Report 2019 2020 PDF Report U S Air Force p 55 Trimble Steve 21 September 2020 The Nearly Decade long Story That Led To NGAD Flight Demonstrator Aviation Week Introduction to the Air Force s Next Generation Air Dominance Program USNI News 6 October 2020 Albon Courtney Air Force Extends AOA for NGAD Moves Away from Single Fighter Platform Inside the Air Force vol 29 no 38 Inside Washington Publishers 2018 pp 3 4 JSTOR website Retrieved 10 March 2022 Air Force Next Generation Air Dominance Program An Introduction Congressional Research Service 5 October 2020 Theresa Hitchens 9 Jul 2021 Digital Design Revolution Key To All Domain Ops Air amp Space Officials Say Valerie Insinna 9 Jul 2021 How two F 16s from the US Air Force s boneyard will find a second life as digital models Jeremiah Gertler 5 Oct 2020 Air Force Next Generation Air Dominance Program An Introduction IF11659 Morgan Dwyer 8 November 2019 The Air Force Digital Century Series Beyond the Buzzwords CSIS org Retrieved 10 March 2022 Gertler Jeremiah 5 October 2020 Air Force Next Generation Air Dominance Program An Introduction Congressional Research Service Retrieved 10 March 2022 Harper Jon 21 September 2021 AFA NEWS Air Force s NGAD Program Progressing Per Plan National Defense Magazine Retrieved 10 March 2022 Mandy Mayfield 14 July 2020 JUST IN Air Force Digital Century Series Acquisition Concept Nearing Milestone National Defense Magazine website Retrieved 10 March 2022 a b Tirpak John 16 June 2021 Brown NGAD Will be a Multirole Fighter Air Force Magazine Trimble Steven 31 July 2020 Budget Shows Flightworthy Sixth Generation Fighter Engines Aviation Week Insinna Valerie 15 September 2020 The US Air Force has built and flown a mysterious full scale prototype of its future fighter jet Defense News Tirpak John 13 May 2021 New Force Design NGAD Needed Soon F 22 Sunset Begins in 2030 Air Force Magazine F 22 Being Used To Test Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter Tech The War Zone 25 April 2022 Losey Stephen 1 June 2022 The Air Force s next gen fighter has moved into a critical new phase Defense News Tirpak John 24 June 2022 Kendall Dispenses With Roper s Quick NGAD Rhythm System is Too Complex Air Force Magazine Losey Stephen 28 April 2022 Future NGAD fighter jets could cost hundreds of millions apiece Defense News Retrieved 12 January 2023 1 Next Generation Air Dominance SMG Consulting SMG Consulting on LinkedIn military nextgeneration fighter usairforce www linkedin com Retrieved 12 January 2023 Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Next Generation Air Dominance amp oldid 1133919707, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,
