The U.S. Air Force has been hanging onto its F-16 fleet’s lineage for many decades, but in the modern age, their age is showing, and the advanced F-35 is costly to manufacture and a complex piece of equipment. However, a new concept has been drawn up – the F-36.
This jet fighter is designed to be more affordable than the F-35 while keeping pace with it. It was adopted into service, and this concept plane could secure America’s airspace for future generations.
Replacing The F-16
F-16s have been the the most available jet fighter for America for the last 30 to 50 years. They have performed admirably and have secured their place in military history. However, with most places being multiple decades old, they are costing more and more to maintain and are becoming outdated by modern standards.
Simpler Than The F-35
The F-35 took years to design and was drawn out, with some saying that it was “overdeveloped.” The F-36 is taking a radically different strategy and emphasizing quick production and rapid design.
The concept is aimed to be finished within a year using digital engineering, 3D printing, and other available technology. This should make the F-36 much cheaper to make and focus on more about what matters – a reliable and fast fighter jet.
Stealth
While the F-22 and F-35 had advanced stealth integration, such as radar evasion, the F-36 dialed it back and used more simple means of remaining undetected.
The F-36 will use smart shaping, advanced materials, and internal weapon bays for a stealthier profile. This is a practical way to be stealthy but not cost the monumental amount that cutting-edge stealth technology often does. This means the jet stays affordable to produce in high numbers and can also be easy to maintain and even upgrade if needed.
Performance
The concept for the F-36 shows that it will retrofitted with the F119 afterburning turbofan engine from the F-22 Raptor. This will make the F-36 reach speeds of up to Mach 2, outpacing the F-35.
It’s wing design takes inspiration from the F-16XL which means the fighter will be able to take nimble turns at high speeds and still have a lot of room for onboard weapons systems and fuel tanks.
Cutting-Edge Systems
While the F-36 will be a cheaper fight compared to the F-35, it will still have cutting-edge systems where it counts. The plane will use the same up-to-date radar systems that are found in the newest F-16s, the AN/APG-83 AESA.
This system enables the F-36 to have an infrared sensor system created from the Legion electro-optical pod. This allows the pilot to have unrivaled situational awareness, tracking, and electronic warfare capabilities.
Weapons
The F-36 is being designed to be a capable air-to-air fighter as well as having a role in air-to-ground combat. Among its weapons are refined missiles and guided bombs located in internal bays and external hardpoints.
While many modern jets lack a gun that the F-16 had, the F-36 will be equipped with the M61 Vulcan, which will make it excellent for close air support and strafing runs on the ground.
Cost And Speed Of Development
The F-36 will be much more cost-effective and fast to manufacture compared to the F-35 due in part to using technology that already exists or has been tested.
The overall design is much simpler than the F-36, allowing it to be built and fielded quickly. The overall intent is to design, manufacture, and get the jets into service quickly and affordably, all while being effective fighters.
A Game Changer
The F-36 is more than just a shiny new jet; it highlights the way the military is changing its approach when it comes to developing new equipment.
The fighter still retains a cutting-edge system while being cheaper to produce through sheer simplicity. Stripping down the jet to only what it really needs to be a good fighter sets a new standard for the future.
A Concept For The Future
Currently, the F-36, on paper, seems like a leap toward productivity and simple efficiency for the U.S. Military. However, it is still only a concept.
If the plan is committed to by the U.S., it could go into production and service by the end of this decade. It won’t add any radical new innovations to the current fleet, but it will still be transformative in its own right.
