Quote:
Originally Posted by speede5
6th gen is where we start to go unmanned, this will drive the price down and performance up.
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Not really. 6th generation is built around net-centricity, or the advanced coordination of a lot of units through instant up to date information, improved suitability, theoretically the combination of stealth and low visual, Improving operational situational awareness, and improving the pilot system integration (think voice command to theoretical direct command), The ability to control multiple platforms from one plane (a Plane becomes a theoretical sqaudron by controlling drones). Integrated air defense, and also improved passive detective systems or low radiated sensors.
They have to be invulnerable to cyber attacks, while being able in theory to launch a cyber attack as well as conventional attack on its target or enemy.
In theory it has to be able to effectively counter measure directed energy weapons.
Unmanned based on AI is probably 7th generation. No military currently is going to trust a fleet of drone or autonomously controlled fighters in a environment where most of their enemies have a dedicated cyber hacking army. Plus the ability to conventionally go after command and control and communications hubs.
What you will see in 7th generation is a faster fusion between human and AI. The F-35 and the JAS-29 have this and I'm using the wrong term, but battle files that tell the plane how it should react to certain situations so it can give the pilot options. 6th generation fusion means that the plane will be able to command better countermeasures, and be able to provide the pilot with better information and options faster and in theory do things without the pilot interaction so he can focus on flying the plane.
That however does not mean that the pilot is going to need a USB port surgically implanted in his skull.