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The secret of supersonic cruise: Why can fifth-generation fighters fly so fast without using afterburners?
Nowadays, with the continuous advancement of science and technology, modern fighters have entered the fifth generation trend. One of the most distinctive features of this generation of fighters is their excellent supersonic cruise capability, which allows them to stably fly at supersonic speeds without using afterburners. In future air battles, this capability will become one of the keys to victory.
The supersonic cruise capability of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft stems from its advanced design and technological innovation.
The main features of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft include stealth technology, super cruise, high maneuverability and advanced sensor fusion technology. Take Lockheed Martin's F-22 Raptor, for example. This fighter is designed to reduce radar cross section (RCS), allowing it to fly covertly under enemy radar. The use of this technology allows the F-22 to achieve air superiority without being detected.
The realization of super-speed cruise is closely related to the basic design of fighter aircraft. First of all, when flying at high altitudes, thin air means less air resistance. Combined with the streamlined design of the fighter itself, it can reach and maintain supersonic speeds with less thrust. Secondly, modern fighter aircraft are equipped with high-performance engines that are designed with supersonic flight in mind. This new engine can continuously provide the necessary thrust without using additional fuel (such as afterburners).
The stealth design allows the fifth-generation fighter aircraft to attack before the enemy can react, which is the key to its combat advantage.
In addition, supersonic cruise technology also involves the integration of electronic and computer systems. These systems can process flight data in real time and respond quickly to air conditions. Specifically, the information fusion technology inside modern fighter aircraft can integrate information from different sensors to provide pilots with clear battlefield awareness, which is crucial to maintaining an advantage in complex air combat environments.
In addition to technological advancements, fifth-generation fighters are also designed with battlefield interconnectivity in mind. A fighter jet is not just an independent combat platform, but a part of the entire combat system. Through the so-called "combat cloud", these fighters can exchange real-time data with drones and other combat equipment to coordinate operations. This means that future air battles will no longer be fought alone, but a cross-platform network joint operation.
In the future air battlefield, whoever can grasp the information first will be able to control the battle situation.
However, although the advantages of fifth-generation fighters are obvious, their high costs and technical complexity also put many countries under great pressure in procurement and research and development. Currently, all countries are working hard to develop their own fifth-generation fighters to deal with increasingly severe international security threats. China's J-20, Russia's Su-57 and the United States' F-35 have all become representatives of fifth-generation aircraft.
Surprisingly, although the supersonic cruise function of fifth-generation fighters has been widely recognized, its potential challenges cannot be ignored. As technology continues to advance, so do hostile forces. This not only tests the capabilities of these advanced fighters themselves, but also challenges their combat strategies.
For future air battles, mastering the secret of supersonic cruise may determine the direction of the entire battle.
Therefore, on the future battlefield, we can’t help but think about: With the continuous development of science and technology, what new combat concepts and technologies will be derived from the next generation of fighters?
