Lockheed Martin’s Post

Explore the impressive capabilities of the F-22 fighter jet, described by Samuel RaZZ Larson, a fifth-gen marvel that has stood the test of time in the air to air realm. Discover why this aircraft continues to excel even after 20 years of service. #F22Jet #FighterJet #AircraftTechnology #AirToAirCombat #AviationMarvel #MilitaryTechnology #AirForce #FifthGeneration #AirPower #AircraftCapabilities

The XF-85 Goblin, also known as the "Parasite Fighter," was one of the most unconventional aircraft concepts ever developed. Designed to be deployed from the bomb bays of B-36 bombers during the Cold War, it was intended to protect its mothership from enemy fighters. A bold idea, but it left many asking, "What were they thinking?" The Goblin’s small size and lack of landing gear meant it had to rely on a bomber for both deployment and recovery—creating more challenges than solutions. While it never saw combat, the XF-85 remains a fascinating chapter in aviation history, showcasing the experimental spirit of the era. Sometimes, even the most outlandish ideas push the boundaries of what’s possible! #AviationHistory #ParasiteFighter #InnovationInFlight

Avoidable Dogfight: Why India Should SHELVE the MRFA Acquisition The Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft programme to acquire 114 jets is following the path of the failed MMRCA competition. Instead of prolonging the IAF’s misery, the government should cancel it and look at indigenous options Read More : https://bitly.ws/3bsLo #MRFA #MMRCA #IAF #FighterAircraft #CombatFleet #AircraftAcquisition #DefenceStrategy #RakeshKrishnanSimha #MilitaryModernization #CombatAircraft #DefenceDebate #StrategicConsiderations #AirForce #ModernizationProgramme #RafaleAircraft #Collaborations #GlobalContenders #Aerospace #NationalSecurity #Rakshaanirveda

In the last days, a Russian Sukhoi #S70 Okhotnik uncrewed combat air vehicle (UCAV) was shot down by another #Su57 who was acting as fighter escort and likely command-and-control platform. More interestingly, the wreckage fell onto Ukrainian territory in the Donetsk region. Portions of the fuselage, wings and NPO Saturn AL-41F1 engine survived the crash intact and were examined by the Ukrainian engineers. Considering that the S-70 was developed alongside the Su-57, it’s possible that the analysis of its #stealth capabilities might provide valuable information on the Su-57 too (materials, techniques, wavelengths). There’s also the possibility that both aircraft have no stealth capabilities at all (or very limited), as suggested by many pictures released in the past.

Combat Star of the Skies; F-16 In an air combat role, the F-16's maneuverability and combat radius (distance it can fly to enter air combat, stay, fight and return) exceed that of all potential threat fighter aircraft. It can locate targets in all weather conditions and detect low flying aircraft in radar ground clutter. In an air-to-surface role, the F-16 can fly more than 500 miles (860 kilometers), deliver its weapons with superior accuracy, defend itself against enemy aircraft, and return to its starting point. An all-weather capability allows it to accurately deliver ordnance during non-visual bombing conditions. In designing the F-16, advanced aerospace science and proven reliable systems from other aircraft such as the F-15 and F-111 were selected. These were combined to simplify the airplane and reduce its size, purchase price, maintenance costs and weight. The light weight of the fuselage is achieved without reducing its strength. With a full load of internal fuel, the F-16 can withstand up to nine G's -- nine times the force of gravity -- which exceeds the capability of other current fighter aircraft.

First macro-observation: the GCAP requirements are different from anything else. Much bigger for a start. Think F-111! The last generation of European fighters were essentially F-16 or F/A-18-type fighters with added capabilities. South Korean and Turkish designs today, and the Shenyang FC-31, are US-inspired. Not so GCAP, formed to a Euro-Japanese requirement that edges towards the light-bomber end of the fighter spectrum, with an emphasis on payload and range, in a way we have not seen since the 1960s. The wing’s shape and size contribute to performance in two ways: massive fuel volume and low drag in cruising flight. Both promote range. It’s not a classic delta in the style of the Mirage III’s; it’s more like the capacious wing of the promising but never built F-16U, from 1995, or that of the Boeing X-32 contender for the Joint Strike Fighter program. The F-16U carried 80 percent more internal fuel than the standard aircraft; the X-32 wing, only half the area of the GCAP wing, could accommodate 9 tonnes of fuel, compared with 3.2 tonnes in the F-16C, for example. The GCAP should have a usefully greater combat radius on internal fuel than most other current combat aircraft can manage with external tanks, while leaving space in the lower fuselage for weapons. That makes a lot of sense for a stealth aircraft, where fuel and bulky weapons must be carried internally. Among the tactical opportunities of greater range is use of bases farther from the territory of the opponent–say, China. They would be more costly to attack with missiles and easier to defend. The large span and area of the GCAP’s wing contribute to efficiency in cruising flight and good turn performance. The relative size of the engine inlets and exhausts and the smallness of the vertical stabilisers suggest that, to dominate the fight, the designers are not going for ultimate agility but are relying on sensors, long-range weapons and even teaming the fighter with uncrewed aircraft. (An aircraft this size could carry uncrewed vehicles into the fight under its wings, releasing them outside detection range.) One wonders whether the European and Japanese planners have read the air combat study by researcher and former US Air Force pilot John Stillion, which pointed to a trend to longer-range engagements.

A full-scale solid model of the GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme), a development plan for a next-generation fighter jet being developed by Japan, UK, and Italy, was unveiled for the first time at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK in July. The full-size solid model was made by BAE Systems and is larger than the JASDF's F-2 and F-35, and comparable in size to USAF's F-22 and F-15. On the other hand, its overall length appears to be shorter than China's stealth fighter J-20. The jet engine's air intake is larger in area than the F-35 but has a hump-like protrusion called a diverterless design that helps ensure stealth. The tail of the aircraft is a vertical tail that opens in a V shape like existing stealth fighters, unlike the V-tail that was initially shown in Japan, which functions both horizontally and vertically. The area of the vertical tail is somewhat smaller than the size of the aircraft, and the exhaust ports of the two jet engines are wedge-shaped plates on the top and bottom like the F-22, so it is clear that the installation of thrust-controlling nozzles is planned. A video showing the weapons bay was also released, and it is divided into left and right under the fuselage, and each has a single door that opens on the outer side. Weapons include air-to-air missiles and a total of eight small diameter winged gliding bombs, as well as long weapons. It can be assumed that the reason for the larger size compared to the full-scale model of GCAP introduced at the briefing held in Tokyo in July is to extend the range. Another reason for the larger size is the increased power generation. Sixth-generation fighter jets, including GCAP, will build advanced high-speed digital networks between mobile flight units. To achieve this feature, high-performance computers and high-output electricity are essential, so it is believed that the engines have been made larger, and the aircraft has also been enlarged to conserve fuel.

Feature story is out: Amid a rush within #NATO to rally around next-generation combat aircraft, new alliance member #Sweden is taking a pause to assess what’s next for its lineage as a warplane-producing country. “It has been a successful story so far [for Sweden’s jet-manufacturing chain] and we are looking forward to the future,” Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman, chief of the Swedish Air Force told me. Next-gen air power concepts on both sides of the Atlantic envision a move away from traditional fighter jets steered by humans as the central pillar of future air forces. Instead, nations are fine-tuning ideas for a networked hodgepodge of flying objects at various altitudes that can be synchronized at the push of a button to overwhelm enemy forces. https://lnkd.in/ddD8EqZi

Very interesting schematic that purports to be the lineup at the upcoming Airshow China 2024 aerospace and defence exhibition in #Zhuhai. If this turns out to be legitimate, there will be: PLA Air Force #combat #aircraft and #UAVs: J-11, J-16, J-20, WZ-7, WZ-10, and likely WZ-8 #Russian combat aircraft: Su-35, Su-57 (!!!) Unfortunately it looks as if international visitors will be largely reduced whether by accident or design. As far as I am aware there will be no access for foreign media outside of China, only those that have been carefully vetted with existing press credentials and based in-country. Is China closing up to the rest of the world? #Airshow #defensemedia #defencemedia #defensetechnology

The United States Air Force's F-22 Raptor fleet has recently achieved a significant milestone, reaching 500,000 flight hours. This accomplishment highlights the aircraft's enduring role in maintaining air superiority and the continued dedication of the teams responsible for its operation and support.  Since its introduction over 25 years ago, the F-22 Raptor has been a key asset in the U.S. Air Force’s arsenal. Known for its advanced stealth, speed, maneuverability, and integrated avionics, the F-22 has proven its capabilities in various missions worldwide, solidifying its position as a leading air dominance fighter. As the F-22 Raptor reaches this milestone, focus remains on its future potential. Modernization efforts and strategic upgrades are ongoing, aimed at enhancing the aircraft's capabilities and preparing it for future challenges. These efforts are crucial for maintaining the F-22's status as a premier air dominance fighter. Lockheed Martin, the manufacturer of the F-22, emphasized the importance of these upgrades. "The ongoing modernization efforts are crucial to keeping the F-22 at the forefront of air superiority and preparing for future combat scenarios," the company said. Find out more: https://lnkd.in/di-rGr2n #USAF #airforce #F22 #Raptor #fighter #aircraft #defence #aerospace #stealth #LockheedMartin #technology #industry #military #armedforces #nationaldefence