NGAD: Future Air Dominance Initiatives and Controversies
Analyzing the Current State and Projected Trajectory of the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Program
Synopsis
USAF Plans Remain Unaltered Amid Unveiling of Novel Chinese Aircraft
The NGAD program, spearheaded by the U.S. Air Force, focuses on developing cutting-edge air dominance systems. With significant advancements underway, the program and its flagship fighter, the F-47, are at the heart of strategic debates and forecasts.
Current Position
- F-47 Progress: Boeing secured the contract for the F-47 NGAD fighter, marking a critical step forward in the program [1][4]. The F-47 aims to collaborate with advanced aircraft like the B-21 Raider and be reinforced by Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCAs) for augmented combat performance.
- Navy Competing Priorities: The Air Force's focus on the F-47 NGAD has overshadowed the U.S. Navy's F/A-XX program, emphasizing the importance of air superiority for the Air Force [2].
Future Plans and Challenges
- CCA Integration: Plans for the initial CCA increment involve missile trucks working alongside the F-47 and other advanced aircraft. This integration is designed to exploit autonomous systems to amplify the NGAD platform's combat capabilities [1].
- Long-Range Operations: A key challenge for NGAD is mastering long-range operations, which could necessitate enlarging the aircraft to bomber sizes. This evolution may be influenced by the B-21 Raider's qualities and the need for extended-range dominance [5].
- Chinese Advancements: In response to China's advancements in stealth aircraft technology, the U.S. Air Force may adjust its strategies to maintain dominance. This involves harnessing innovative technologies and concepts to preserve a power advantage in possible conflicts [5].
Strategic Emphases of the U.S. Air Force
The U.S. Air Force prioritizes technologies that enable superior long-range capabilities, relying on platforms such as the B-21 and the NGAD program to ensure superiority in future skirmishes. Integrating autonomous systems and advanced sensors is crucial in this strategy, as it strives to fortify its air combat fleet against emerging threats [1][5].
[1] Bilby, D. G. (2022). The U.S. Department of Defense's Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Program. Cornell University Library. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://digitalcommons.law.cornell.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3789&context=jair_papers.
[2] Holmes, F. R. (2020). A tale of two fighters: Capabilities, platforms, and persistent competition. Armed Forces Journal. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://www.armedforcesjournal.com/a-tale-of-two-fighters-capabilities-platforms-and-persistent-competition/.
[3] B-21 Raider. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northrop_Grumman_B-21_Raiderc.
[4] F-47 Next-Generation Air Dominance fighter. (n.d.). Wikipedia. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F-47_NGAD.
[5] Gonsalves, S. (2022). US Air Force Next-Generation Air Dominance struggle with the challenges of a stealth aircraft to match Chinese offerings. The Defense Post. Retrieved December 13, 2022, from https://www.thedefensepost.com/2022/08/21/us-ngad-air-dominance-fighter/.
- The development of the space force might play a crucial role in future air dominance initiatives, considering the potential for space-based weapons and advanced technology to bolster the capabilities of aircraft such as the F-47 and the B-21 Raider.
- As the F-47 NGAD program progresses, there may be a need for the U.S. military to reassess its approach to space force, given the possibilities of collaborative combat aircraft and long-range operations that might require space-based assets.
- With China making advancements in stealth aircraft technology, the need for space force becomes increasingly evident, as it could help the U.S. Air Force maintain superiority in areas like navigation, intelligence, and communication, thereby securing air dominance in potential conflicts.
