Volreka F. Senatus, Warrior Cyber Analyst
The Pentagon’s relentless journey into the future of air dominance has for generations been informed by technological breakthroughs that redefine military aviation capabilities. The most recent instance of anticipated breakthroughs can be associated with the mysterious and still somewhat unknown Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, a new platform likely to change technical paradigms defining air dominance. As part of this, NGAD signifies a departure from incremental advancements, in part due to the expected integration of AI into military aviation designed to enable continuous modernization. The effort streamlines or combines a number of efforts, which could be described as the convergence of stealth, speed, autonomy, and cutting-edge AI cyber-system technologies, reshaping the essence of air dominance.
Stealth: The Unseen Advantage
The NGAD programs’ stealth, speed, and autonomy likely result from the incorporation of advanced materials, aerodynamic designs minimizing radar cross-section and infrared signatures fortified by radar-absorbing coatings; various materials and combinations of coatings can dissipate radar waves, making the aircraft difficult to detect.
Speed: Beyond the Sound Barrier
Critical to fighter jet agility, NGAD’s exceptional speed is likely achieved through innovative state-of-the-art propulsion systems and aerodynamic designs. Some of these might include different kinds of high-thrust engine technologies pushing the boundaries of speed, potentially even incorporating scramjets.
Warrior talks to Air Force Research Laboratory about 6th-Generation Aircraft
In addition, the optimization of physical speed in the aircraft involves a synergistic relationship between network connectivity and AI speed. NGAD, operating as part of a networked force, will undoubtedly enable real-time data exchange with other platforms, ground stations, and command centers. Not only does this connectivity ensure that the aircrafts receives the latest information about the operational environment, including the location of threats and friendly force; But it also dynamically features AI-linked rapid processing
speeds that permits for the synchronization of force and mission adaptations. This collaboration enhances the overall performance, effectiveness, and survivability of the aircraft in a dynamic and connected battlespace.
Autonomy
Analogous to physical and technical speed, NGAD’s autonomy is bolstered by robust communication systems and data links that facilitate real-time information exchange. The aircraft’s ability to operate autonomously and make real-time decisions is significantly enhanced by the seamless integration of exclusive elements such as real-time situational awareness. NGAD will likely leverage a new generation of F-35-like sensor fusion techniques, integrating data from various sources, simulating situational awareness by autonomously adapting to changing scenarios; Improving overall mission effectiveness; Ensuring that NGAD can adapt dynamically to the complexities of modern warfare without constant human intervention.
WIth that being said, NGAD likely gives prominence to the concept of Human-Machine Teaming (HMT), fostering collaboration between pilots and AI systems. This key approach ensures that the aircraft operates with a high level of autonomy while maintaining a human-in-the-loop for critical decision-making.
Human-machine teaming is evidenced by the rapidly emerging Combat Collaborative Aircraft Program wherein NGAD will operate as a family of systems, wherein a manned fighter jet can perform command and control in coordination with nearby unmanned systems. Cited by Secretary Kendall as an Air Force Operational Imperative, the NGAD Family of Systems concept is rapidly progressing with designs and manufacturing of low-cost, attritable, yet highly advanced drones intended to fly alongside NGAD.
Volreka F. Senatus is a Warrior Cyber analyst, student and Assistant Educator at Florida International University
— Warrior Maven President Kris Osborn contributed to this article
