NGAD vs FA-XX: The Future of Air Superiority

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The race to sixth generation fighters is starting to heat up, with the US Air Force's Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) Fighter and the US Navy's FA-XX programs taking off. But it appears that the NGAD has hit a roadblock - in the form of a nearly undefeated enemy. Find out where things are today and where its headed in the near future.

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Credits/Attributions:
"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."
Department of Defense
Northrop Grumman
Lockheed Martin
Boeing
Raytheon
Pratt & Whitney
General Electric

All animations are produced by me, Tog and are property of this channel.

Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of the DOD, any government or company, now you know!

[PilotPhotog]

New and returning players who use my link in the pinned comment or video description will receive a bonus pack with premium vehicles, the "Eagle of Valor" decorator, 100, 000 Silver Lions, and 7 days of premium account—available for a limited time only!

[alexv]

Back in the late 50s and early 60s, the Navy-led F-4 Phantom project led to one of the most successful fighter programs of all time. This is largely because it's easier to retrofit a carrier plane for ground ops than the other way around. This is why the F-111B program failed, and led to the creation of the F-14 Tomcat. In the next decades the Navy and Air Force would pursue separate fighter programs, which resulted in the F-15, F-16, and F-18. The F-35, likewise, is three separate planes with common core technologies. The Air Force adopting a Navy plane and just removing the tailhook would be far cheaper than two separate airframes.

[KawaTony]

I wonder if the real reason the Air Force is talking about abandoning NGAD is because a decision has been made that we simply can't afford both NGAD and FA-XX, so we have to pick one of the two. The Navy is the service most in need of an upgrade, and they made do without any air superiority fighter for all 20 years since the Air Force got their F-22s in 2005. So, it makes sense that if only one can be afforded, the Navy should get their needs met first and the Air Force will just have to make do with whatever the FA-XX turns out to be. Think about it. How awful would it have been if, back in the 70s and 80s, the Air Force had to make to with F-14s because we decided we simply couldn't afford both F-14s and F-15s?

[KC_Smooth]

Honestly, the Navy should be prioritized for a new long range, air superiority fighter.

[DCSDVetTV]

I know some would disagree, this would be a smart move especially for refueling around the carriers. It would take the load off a human pilot to do this task in my opinion.

[coreymarotta]

Grumman needs to get that Navy contract, we need a Cat back on deck.

Call the new gen the Black Cat (plenty of stealth / night time / spooky / historical maritime good luck innuendos to support that name) and call the loyal wingman / drones Alley Cats…

[Florida_Hiraeth]

B21 should have modular bomb bay area for a refueling pack, so it can operate as a multi use platform: Bomber, Refueling Tanker, Electronic Warfare Growler, and Central Command Fighter Coordinator(Think Starcraft Protoss Swarm Mothership)

[lisaroberts]

Am Glad the US Navy has its own program again. Separate from the US Air Force. In the 90’s they were pushed into accepting the Joint Strike Program. While it’s a good Jet. The Navy still needs something that will replace the F-18. It needs an Aircraft that can Fly Far, Fight and Return to Carrier.

[joskethegreat]

If the PLA's new NGAD does not serve as a wake up call then I don't know what else will.

[JK-ujur]

My problem with b21 as drone operator for air superiority is what happenes when you need to rapidly intercept incoming supersonic fighters/missiles. A slow b21 is far worse than a mach 2 fighter.

My other concern is that enemy force will invest heavily in jamming to disrupt datalinks between b21 and drones it operates. That could cause big problems.

[timbaskett]

Stop gap plan. B-21 Raider with AIM-174s and forward deployed UAVs for long range sensors.

[arkadious]

It makes sense to prioritize the Navy for a 6th gen acft given that China is across the Pacific. . and the USAF received the B-21

[conce]

I really enjoy these videos. The quality of the content as well as the quality of the animations used is a sure way to engage the viewer. Thanks for sharing with us, military aviation enthusiasts!

[Aurorarainpiano]

Interesting comparison between NGAD and FA-XX! It would be even better with more in-depth details on how each aircraft supports the future of U.S. air superiority. A deeper dive into their tactical advantages and strategic impact would also add more value to the discussion.

[freebased]

I don't think I could ever be convinced that one engine is better than two engines under any circumstance when it comes to fighter aircraft

[kazimkorkmaz]

A meticulously crafted 3D animation. Bravo.

[PAN-kmqk]

Those are incredible options!

Just imagine the Air Force going all in on long-range, low-observable C2 platforms for vast numbers of CCAs infused with Project Skyborg technologies, while the Navy funds a carrier capable, long-range, low observable, omnirole tactical fighter aircraft, that could, if need be, be acquired by the Air Force as well ….. if battlefield realities dictate that decision.

The USA 🇺🇸 would for the first time in decades really leverage economies of scale, and cover all its bases in a really cost-effective way.

[KevinJohn]

The Air Force should peruse the drone technology first as they could also be spread out through the navy and marines and Air Force. Give that some time followed by a traditional fighter later by possibly 2035-40

[teddy.d]

The reason the Air Force can’t afford NGAD is because of the insane cost overruns on the next generation nuclear ICBM’s. The weapons system itself isn’t much over budget, it’s the new construction required to house the new ICBM’s. According to several articles in various media, they didn’t foresee the cost of the housing for them being so expensive, along with the cost of the contractors to build them. So it’s likely that NGAD as we knew it will be downsized, or as Tog stated they’ll be changed to UAV’s.

[Larry]

The only advantage the N-GAD would have over the F-35 and the F-22 after its electronics/computer upgrades is its extreme long range. Without that range and large weapons load, the N-GAD is a waste of money.