New Generation Fighter (NGF)

At the Euronaval 2018 exhibition, the French company Dassault showed a model of its future fighter New Generation Fighter (NGF), which should replace the Dassault Rafale in France and the Eurofighter Typhoon in Germany around 2035-2040. The equations that dictate stealth to electromagnetic waves are the same for everyone, it is not surprising that the existing or planned aircraft take the same solutions. The Neuron combat drone demonstrator set foot in the stirrup for stealth.

The next generation aircraft does not have stabilizers and a W-shaped vertical tail; it should receive highly developed stealth technologies and networking capabilities. It is expected that the aircraft will effectively counter modern air threats and use the potential of artificial intelligence. The model presented on the Dassault stand at Euronaval showed a pilotless, cannard-free aircraft with trapezoidal air intakes in the F-22 fashion.

The NGF name was devised to clarify the identity of the future jet. The future combat air system (FCAS) was the designation of a stalled project between France and the UK. The FCAS Dassault is studying with Airbus had a confusing name, as it could refer to the aircraft and the “system of systems” (including UAVs, air tankers, Awacs and ground stations) it will be part of. NGF is the acronym for the aircraft and FCAS for the system of systems.

The NGF project is part of the future European FCAS (Future Air Combat System). As of April 2018, Germany and France have agreed on the basic requirements for a new generation fighter aircraft to replace the Eurofighter Typhoon and Rafale aircraft, starting in 2040. Earlier, Dassault Aviation CEO Eric Trappier said that Airbus and Dassault decided to unite so that Europe would retain control over its future weapon systems. Both companies have stated that the development of a new combat aircraft is vital for France and Germany; a technology demonstrator may appear as early as 2025.

The fighter will not be a copy of the American F-35, but according to its characteristics and technology it will be even more ambitious than the overseas aircraft. This NGF is destined to occupy an essential place in the Franco-GermanFCAS developed by Airbus and Dassault, and whose France (understand Dassault) will have the mastery of work.