An anonymous source told Reuters that Lockheed Martin plans to offer a new fighter jet that “would combine the F-22 and F-35” to Japan for the latter’s new fighter competition.
By Master Sgt. Jeremy T. Lock [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Reuters added that the aerospace company has broached the idea to Japanese officials and will formally offer the design in its response to Japan’s request for information.
Rebuilding the F-22 Raptor with the materials technology, production/ assembly technology, sensor technology, control surfaces technology and evolving engine technology; all from the F-35 program will allow the larger fuel capacity and performance designs from the F-22 to progress the 5th Gen into (perhaps) a 6th Gen aircraft. With the advances in the various technologies both the F-35 program and the future 6th Gen?? will continue to evolve (software and hardware) in a fashion similar to the F-35 Block 4 plans being implemented as we speak. The integration of UAI into the F-35 and future aircraft will greatly enhance the combat capabilities provided by the future weapons. This program would fulfill the “Christmas Wishlist” for all the F-22 fans and provide a basis for the future aircraft being designed for the USAF, USN and their allies.
IMHO.
🙂