7th-Generation Fighters Could Put China and Russia’s Military in a ‘Chokehold’

第7代战斗机可能会让中国和俄罗斯的军队陷入“窒息”


Over the past several months, there has been a lot of buzz about potential upcoming sixth-generation fighter jets.
Today, I want to look further into the future and speculate about what we can expect from seventh-generation aircraft. While the development of these aircraft remains speculative, current trends and emerging technologies provide a glimpse into what we might expect from these next-generation warplanes.

过去数月,关于第六代战斗机的讨论甚嚣尘上。
今天,我将试图展望更远未来,推演第七代战机可能具备的特征。尽管此类机型尚处概念阶段,但当前趋势与新兴技术已为我们勾勒出了下一代战机的轮廓。

One of the most anticipated advancements in 7th-generation fighter jets is hypersonic flight. These aircraft are expected to achieve speeds exceeding Mach 5, which translates to over 6,125 km/h. Hypersonic capabilities would allow these jets to cover vast distances in a matter of minutes, significantly reducing response times during critical missions. However, achieving and maintaining such speeds presents major technical challenges, particularly in terms of thermal resistance and propulsion systems.

第七代战斗机最令人期待的进步可能是高超音速飞行能力。这些战机预计可达到5马赫以上(约6125公里/小时),能在数分钟内跨越广阔距离,大幅缩短关键任务的响应时间。然而,维持如此高速面临重大技术挑战,尤其是热阻耐受性与推进系统的稳定性。

Stealth has been a cornerstone of modern fighter jets, and 7th generation aircraft will push this further. These jets will likely feature next-generation radar-absorbing coatings and aerodynamic designs that minimize thermal and radar signatures. Advanced composite materials and internal structures designed to scatter electromagnetic waves could significantly enhance their stealth capabilities, making them nearly invisible to even the most sophisticated detection systems.

隐身一直是现代战斗机的核心,第七代战机将更进一步。它们可能采用新一代雷达吸波涂层与气动设计,最大限度降低热信号与雷达反射。结合先进复合材料与电磁波散射结构,其隐身能力将大幅提升,甚至能避开最先进的探测系统。

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into fighter jets is set to revolutionize aerial combat. 7th generation fighters are expected to incorporate generative AI for real-time decision-making, threat analysis, and optimal engagement strategies. AI could also manage onboard systems autonomously, reducing pilot workload and enhancing overall mission efficiency. This level of autonomy could extend to fully unmanned operations, where AI-driven jets operate independently or in coordination with manned aircraft.

人工智能的整合将彻底改变空战模式。第七代战机或将搭载生成式AI,实现实时决策、威胁分析及最优作战策略制定。AI还可自主管理机载系统,减轻飞行员工作量,提升任务效率。这种自主性可能扩展至完全无人化操作,AI驱动的战机可独立行动或与有人战机协同。


Technology We Can’t Yet Imagine
Future fighter jets will likely feature advanced sensor fusion, integrating data from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive situational awareness picture. This capability will be crucial for network-centric warfare, where information dominance and rapid decision-making are key. Enhanced communication systems will enable seamless data sharing between aircraft, ground units, and other assets, ensuring coordinated and effective operations.

我们尚无法想象的技术
未来的战斗机可能会具备先进的传感器融合技术,整合来自多个来源的数据,提供全面的态势感知。这一能力在以信息主导和快速决策为核心的网络化战争中至关重要。增强的通信系统将使得飞机、地面部队和其他资产之间的数据共享无缝连接,确保协调一致、有效的作战。

原创翻译:龙腾网 https://www.ltaaa.cn 转载请注明出处


Directed energy weapons, such as high-energy lasers and microwave systems, are expected to become a standard feature of 7th-generation fighter jets. These weapons offer several advantages, including precision targeting, rapid engagement, and a virtually unlimited ammunition supply, as long as there is sufficient power. Directed energy weapons could be used for both offensive and defensive purposes, neutralizing incoming threats and engaging enemy targets with unprecedented accuracy.

定向能量武器(如高能激光和微波系统)预计将成为第七代战机的标准配置。这些武器具有多个优势,包括精准打击、快速反应以及几乎无限的弹药供应,只要有足够的电力。定向能量武器既可用于进攻,也可用于防御,实现攻防一体的作战效能,并以前所未有的精准度打击敌方目标。
原创翻译:龙腾网 https://www.ltaaa.cn 转载请注明出处


The propulsion systems of 7th-generation fighter jets will likely incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as scramjets and advanced turbofans. These systems will not only enable hypersonic speeds but also improve fuel efficiency and operational range. Additionally, advancements in materials science will play a crucial role in developing engines that can withstand the extreme temperatures and stresses associated with hypersonic flight.

第七代战斗机的推进系统可能采用超燃冲压发动机与先进涡扇发动机等前沿技术。这些系统不仅能实现高超音速飞行,还能提升燃油效率与作战半径。此外,材料科学的进步将对开发耐受高超音速飞行中极端温度与应力的发动机起到关键作用。

Another intriguing possibility for 7th-generation fighter jets is the ability to operate in space. These aircraft could be designed to leave the Earth’s atmosphere, conduct high-altitude reconnaissance missions, deploy tactical satellites, or even carry out strikes from space. This capability would provide a strategic advantage, allowing for operations beyond the reach of traditional air defenses.

第七代战机的另一个引人注目的可能性是能够在太空中作战。这些飞机可能被设计成能够脱离地球大气层,执行高空侦察任务、部署战术卫星,甚至从太空进行打击。这一能力将提供战略优势,使得作战能够超越传统空中防御的范畴。

Still a Long Way to Go
While the capabilities of 7th-generation fighter jets are exciting, the timeline for their development remains uncertain. Current efforts in military aviation are primarily focused on 6th generation technology, with several nations actively developing prototypes and conducting research. Experts suggest that 7th-generation fighters may not become a reality until the 2050s or even the 2070s.

仍然任重道远
尽管第七代战机的能力令人兴奋,但其研发时间表仍不确定。目前,军事航空的工作主要集中在第六代技术上,多个国家正在积极开发原型机并进行研究。专家认为,第七代战机可能要到2050年代甚至2070年代才能实现。

Several factors contribute to this extended timeline. The development of hypersonic propulsion, advanced stealth materials, and AI-driven systems presents significant technical challenges. Research and development in these areas require substantial investment and time to achieve the desired performance and reliability.

多个因素导致了这一延长的时间表。高超音速推进技术、先进的隐身材料和人工智能驱动系统的开发面临着巨大的技术挑战。这些领域的研发需要大量的投资和时间,才能实现预期的性能和可靠性。

The cost of developing and producing 7th generation fighter jets will be immense. Budget constraints and competing priorities within defense budgets could impact the pace of development. Nations will need to balance the investment in next-generation technology with other defense and security needs.Geopolitical dynamics often influence the development of advanced military technology. International tensions, alliances, and rivalries will shape the priorities and timelines for developing 7th-generation fighter jets. Collaborative efforts between allied nations could accelerate progress, while adversarial relationships might lead to an arms race in advanced aviation technology.

第七代战斗机的研发与生产成本将极其庞大。预算限制和国防预算中不同优先事项的竞争可能会影响开发进程。各国需要在投资下一代技术与其他防务和安全需求之间找到平衡。

Science Fiction for Now
The concept of 7th-generation fighter jets could be the pinnacle of military aviation innovation. With capabilities such as hypersonic flight, advanced stealth, AI-driven autonomy, and space operations, these aircraft promise to redefine the future of aerial warfare. However, the journey to realizing these capabilities is fraught with technical, ethical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.

当前仍是科幻
第七代战斗机的概念或许是军事航空创新的巅峰。凭借高超音速飞行、先进隐身、人工智能驱动的自主性及太空作战能力,这些战机有望彻底重塑未来空战的面貌。然而,要实现这些能力仍需跨越技术、伦理、经济与地缘政治等多重挑战。

原创翻译:龙腾网 https://www.ltaaa.cn 转载请注明出处


While we may not see 7th-generation fighter jets in the skies for several decades, the ongoing research and development in related technologies provide a glimpse into the future of air combat.

尽管我们可能需数十年才能目睹第七代战斗机翱翔天际,但相关技术的持续研发已为未来空战提供了重要前瞻视角。

As nations continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the dream of 7th generation fighter jets moves closer to becoming a reality.

随着各国不断突破技术边界,第七代战机的梦想正在逐步从科幻走向现实。