Russia tests technologies expected on 6th generation fighter

On July 17, Russian news agency TASS reported that Russian defense research units have begun testing a series of technologies expected to be equipped on 6th generation fighter aircraft. These new technological components were tested on the prototype of the 5th generation aircraft PAK FA.

According to Vladimir Mikheyev, head of the Radio-Electric Design Complex – KRET, a member company of Rostec Corporation, to ensure the progress of the development of a number of specialized technologies for the 6th generation aircraft, experimental prototypes have been applied directly to the T-50 test aircraft of the PAK FA project. Notably, the new engine technology allows the aircraft to reach supersonic cruise speeds to low Earth orbit and electromagnetic rail guns, a technology similar to the one recently introduced by the US.

Mr. V. Mikheyev said that with the new electromagnetic rail gun, Russia's 6th generation aircraft can attack targets beyond visual range (over 10km) with high-energy guns. He added that this is a powerful weapon, but will only be equipped on the unmanned version to avoid negative effects of magnetism on the pilot.

Russia's 5th generation fighter PAK FA. Illustration photo.

“To create a large magnetic thrust, the magnetic pulse of the railgun weapon will be very strong. This can have a negative impact on the pilot’s physical condition and health,” V. Mikheyev explained.

Although the Russian Ministry of Defense has not yet officially ordered the development of a 6th generation fighter, many military experts believe that this is only a matter of time. Russian military officials calculate that they can complete the necessary technologies to be applied on a 6th generation aircraft before 2020 so that they can immediately launch a new generation fighter when receiving a request from the Ministry of Defense.

Currently, Russia has not released information about the specific tactical characteristics of the 6th generation fighter. However, from the information revealed, the new generation fighter will be capable of supersonic flight over large distances by flying out of space in low orbit and will have both manned and unmanned versions.

According to qdnd