Future fighters
From Aviation Week & Space Technology, May 18 (texts subscriber only):
1) Improved Super Hornet (p. 29):
1) Improved Super Hornet (p. 29):
GE Studies 20% Thrust Growth Plan for Super Hornet2) F-35 last US manned (or should that be, er, crewed) fighter (p. 21)?:
Super Hornet thrust boost could raise stakes in upcoming international fighter contests
Printed headline: Power Move
Boeing and General Electric hope to boost the export sales potential of the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EF-18G Growler by offering a new, more powerful derivative of the F414 with 20% increased thrust as well as greater durability and reduced fuel burn.
The F414 growth plan is built on a combination of development efforts focused on increasing durability as well as power, and comes as the F/A-18E/F is being offered in fighter contests from Denmark to Japan. Leading the pack in terms of size, and thought to be driving the engine growth initiative, is the competition in India for up to 126 fighters.
Details of the plan emerge as Boeing prepares to submit its best and final offer by June 2 to Brazil for its F-X2 fighter contest, which pitches the Block II variant against the Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen NG. There is also potential for sales to Canada [emphasis added--a competitor for the F-35? more here, here and here] and Kuwait among others, says Bob Gower, Boeing vice-president of F/A-18 programs...
Gates, Mullen Testimony Gives Clues on UAVs’ Future
Printed headline: Manned vs. Unmanned
Look closely and you might be able to discern the Pentagon’s plans for unmanned aerial vehicles in last week’s congressional testimony by Defense Secretary Robert Gates and Joint Chiefs Chairman Adm. Michael Mullen on the Fiscal 2010 defense budget...Mullen, tackling questions about the bomber and plans to halt F-22 Raptor acquisition, said, “We’re at a real time of transition here in terms of future aviation. What’s going to be manned? What’s going to be unmanned?” He added: “There are those who see the Joint Strike Fighter as the last manned fighter/bomber. And I’m one that’s inclined to believe it—whether it’s right or not.”..
posted by Mark, Ottawa at 4:51 p.m.
2 Comments:
When John Diefenbaker put an end to the CF-105 Avro Arrow project claim the future of the battlefield is not fighter but missiles.
50 years later aircraft still dominated the skies. The UAV is a great tool for troops on the ground with his camera and GPS but he can't replaced the manned aircraft because some job need conventional aircraft. For sure the UAV can be used against high risk of danger target such antiaircraft missiles.
Vinland,
I think the missiles have finally caught up. And though the UAVs likely will never equal manned fighters in performance, they are proving "good enough" especially since you don't have to worry about losing a pilot.
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