Next Generation Air Dominance Fighter.

Or, “Bronco’s” cool new whip!

In my stories I have pushed up the deployment and operational readiness of the NGAD, or as I call it, the F42 Black Widow. The main operational pillars of the NGAD in the BAE universe are like this, stealth, speed (dirty, nasty, speed!), and networked firepower. This is a quarterback plane, a shot caller that uses the sensor data from multiple platforms to enhance situational awareness and direct the best weapon for the engagement.

We have all seen the technology advance from F4 to F35 and now see where artificial intelligence will reduce pilot workload. This will allow the Black Widow to provide direction of simultaneous engagements for shock and disruption of a near peer’s Air Force. Since all weapons on the Black Widow need to be carried internally, it would be nice to have some “extra” weapons lying around.

Enter the Super Mud Hen, or F15EX. This fourth plus generation fighter is a beast! It can carry missiles on over ten external hard points. The tech in the SMH allows it to support the stealthier fighters from the rear, where they can lance forward and send a few AMRAMs into the fur all and down some Russian jets that didn’t even know they were targeted.

The main weapon for my fictional fighter is a 100 Kw laser that is carried internally and extended for the engagement, then retracted back into the plane when finished. This allows the Black Widow to perform offensive and defensive engagements. The best part is you have ammo for as long as you have electricity. The laser also has a ridiculously low cost per shot when compared to guided missiles.

There are also “Loyal Wingmen”, advanced combat drones that a manned fighter controls in the fight. These drones will be able to be configured for different mission profiles as needed. In many of the reports, the USAF wants 1000 drones and 200 NAGD fighters. This five to one ratio of drones to manned fighters provides additional capabilities on how to fight an air campaign.

Last topic, range. The distances in the pacific theater of operations are vast, and currently deployed fighters will require tanker support to achieve objectives. The Navy has a FX program that dovetails well with the NGAD program. Bet one of the two prototypes will have large internal stores for fuel.

This is the very last thing. To all of you that have supported me throughout this last year. I just wanted to give a very sincere note of gratitude. I’m grateful for a lot of things and having this outlet for my creative talent is definitely one of them for the rest of the year spend time with your families and have a wonderful time in rest relax cause I think 2024 is gonna be a doozy.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Next_Generation_Air_Dominance