A short video shows a model of an aircraft of an unknown type. Some observers believe that it is related to the NGAD program aimed at developing a sixth-generation fighter. Earlier it became known about the beginning of testing of its demonstrator.
The mysterious model was discovered at the Lockheed Martin Corporation enterprise located in the Mojave Desert, not far from the headquarters of its Skunk Works division, which specializes in secret developments. Among other things, its engineers were engaged in the creation of the" invisible " Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk.
Presumably, the video was first published in TikTok, and then it was distributed by other resources, including Twitter. Attention to the video was drawn, among other things, by the publication The Drive.
The video: pic.twitter.com/Unhq9lsHwE- Ruben Hofs (@rubenhofs) September 22, 2021
It's hard to say what exactly is in front of us. Judging by the general outlines, we can talk about a model of a sixth-generation fighter, which is being created for the US Air Force under the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.
Last year, it became known that its demonstrator took to the sky for the first time. According to the US military, it was a "full-scale demonstration sample" that " broke many records." The Air Force expressed maximum readiness to create a promising fighter.
The alleged appearance of NGAD was repeatedly demonstrated in different pictures. Another vision of what a promising aircraft can be was presented not so long ago by the American Air Force.
The new NGAD concept
Image source: USAF
Judging by the image, a manned or optionally manned aircraft will receive two engines and a vertical tail. Just as it was implemented on fifth-generation fighters, they want to place NGAD weapons inside to reduce radar visibility.
The rear part of the fuselage has some similarities with the rear part of the prototype of the fifth-generation fighter YF-23, which lost to Lockheed YF-22-the prototype F-22.
It is difficult to say whether the concept shown is related to reality. We will only note that it is vaguely similar to the NGAD images that we could see earlier.
The concept of the sixth-generation fighter
Image source: US Air Force
It is assumed that the new aircraft will be able to replace the above-mentioned F-22 and a number of other fighters in the future. NGAD is seen primarily as a platform that provides superiority over Russia and China, which are themselves working on sixth-generation fighters.
The emphasis in the case of NGAD is on the ability of the aircraft to dominate in the air, although it is possible that it will be able to solve shock tasks.