Air Force F-X concept: a fuel-sipping electric fighter jet for 2030
The U.S. Air Force is working to produce its next-generation fighter jet, and word has it that the energy around the project is going to be electric. Literally.
It's called the "F-X" concept (not to be confused with the VFAX/VFX/FX concepts of the 1960s and '70s) and it's intended to enter service in 2030.
The fighter is supposed to focus on energy efficiency, which the Air Force believes could allow for new weapons and capabilities, The Diplomat reports. The concept is referred to as the "More-Electric Aircraft," and while the name doesn't quite roll off the tongue, the point is to rethink the vehicle much in the same way automakers rethought the car for electric powertrains.
David Axe reports:
[Air Force Research Laboratories] is working on a new aircraft electrical infrastructure that's loosely modelled on commercial hybrid car designs. A plane incorporating hybrid-style electrical systems wouldn’t need the bulky, sluggish hydraulic systems installed in current airplanes and could be more efficient. The change could help the Air Force reduce its fuel consumption, currently averaging around 2.5 billion gallons a year.
Also, with more and better electrical power, the More-Electric Aircraft could include laser and microwave weapons and more powerful sensors, potentially including the ability to launch ‘electronic attacks’ by jamming or inserting software viruses into enemy radars.
A Prius of the sky: now there's something that will instill fear in enemies.
In all seriousness, though, the project is intended to help move the Air Force away from supporting Lockheed Martin's occasionally troublesome F-22 and F-35 stealth fighters, which cost $300 million apiece for a single example.
It certainly doesn't help that Russia, China and Japan have stepped up their stealth fighter activity, either.
So the pressure's on to stay ahead, all while defense budgets are under fire from Congress.
Nevertheless, research and development work continues. the AFRL is investigating a new type of combined cycle jet engine that's supposed to remain efficient at speeds high and low -- a steep challenge for today's engines.
This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com