Hey everybody! You’re watching the Tech News channel! Technology never stands still.
Shocking, I know. But innovations are usually accompanied by a whole new set of dangers,
especially when it comes to weapons. This is truer now more than ever as progress in military
technology is growing not just by leaps and bounds, but exponentially. The threat posed by new
weapons grows with each passing second, and today we’re going to talk about some of the deadliest
fighters in the world. There’s definitely room to roam here, with the imaginations of engineers,
builders, and designers on full display with these dangerous machines. And as you know,
we just can’t look away. Stick around, because we have an interesting story
to tell you at the end of the video. So get comfortable, and let’s get started.
The F-15EX Advanced Eagle This is a fourth generation American
fighter... wait, hang on a second…don't jump to conclusions. This aircraft, developed by Boeing,
is an upgrade of the F-15E Strike Eagle. The Advanced Eagle is the most heavily armed aircraft
in the world, and even more interestingly, there are plans to install hypersonic weapons
on the fighter - real ones, not the popsicles that Russia has been firing. But first things
first. The fighter took to the skies in early February 2021. The avionics and software were
checked during this maiden flight. It all went smoothly, and everything worked as it should.
Now let's take a look at this bird’s tech and weapons.
The fighter has been equipped with a fly-by-wire control system, a digital cockpit,
an active phased array radar, an infrared search and tracking system, a Sniper targeting pod, and a
modern electronic warfare and surveillance system. As for its arsenal, the aircraft will be able to
carry up to 22 air-to-air guided missiles, primarily the AIM-120 Advanced Medium-Range
Air-to-Air Missile. No wonder a second seat was added to the fighter for a weapons systems
officer, because it would certainly be necessary for particularly difficult missions. As far
as hypersonic weapons go, it’s safe to assume that the jet will carry an answer to Russia’s
“Kinzhal”. We all know how much internet buzz there’s been around this supposed miracle missile,
but the reality is that there are no reliable reports of the weapon in action,
except for a bunch of unsubstantiated claims. There are currently 144 Advanced Eagles planned
for production. According to the US Air Force, the total contract,
which has an indefinite timeline and number of aircraft, is worth about $23 billion.
The Super Hornet Block 3 The latest modification of the F/A-18
Super Hornet fighter was created by the already well-known Boeing company. The US military has
ordered 78 Block 3’s. One notable feature of this aircraft is its radar-absorbing coating, which
makes it hardly noticeable to radar stations. Another advantage in this area is an improved
airframe. Regarding the fighter’s features, it is definitely worth mentioning its multifunctional
touch display, advanced weapon control system, and infrared search and track system. This allows
targets to be detected by thermal radiation. Now let's talk about something that was originally
planned to be installed on the fighter, but for economic reasons was scrapped. We’re talking about
conformal fuel tanks, which would increase the fighter’s operational range by 138 miles. It’s
worth noting that military officials have not explained why they decided to remove the tanks,
but supposed reasons include: prohibitive costs, production schedule, and tank efficiency.
And now for the weaponry, and there is plenty to talk about here!
First of all, it has air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, not to mention adjustable, cluster,
and free-fall bombs. But that’s not all! We’re talking unguided missiles,
and the most interesting, in our opinion, nuclear bombs. We think that those who have
been shouting about nuclear ashes lately should go find somewhere to hide.
The F-22 Raptor An American all-weather fifth-generation
tactical fighter. That description alone sounds solid enough to us, but just to
confirm its power and status, let us recall who developed and produced it, because they are
household names. Perhaps the name Lockheed Martin Corporation rings a bell? And besides Martin,
manufacturing giants like Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and General Dynamics also got involved.
This machine was designed with air superiority in mind, but it is also capable of ground assault,
electronic warfare, and even signals intelligence. That is to say that this aircraft can and should
be called a universal fighter, one that is clearly ahead of its time. Its mix of stealth
and aerodynamic performance serves as proof of its uniqueness. We’ve already talked about the
plane’s upgraded version known as the Raptor in one of our previous videos, once again emphasizing
the significance of this aircraft. Although US officials have never been shy about this fact,
referring to the fighter as an essential component of tactical aviation. So the 10 billion dollars
that were allocated for this aircraft’s upgrades didn’t seem too steep. Another huge positive is
that the contract was signed with Lockheed Martin, and that it includes a clause for “up to 10 years
of modernization and support for the Raptor.” Coming back to the conventional F-22,
or more specifically to its armament, we have: a 20mm M61A2 Vulcan cannon,
six AIM-120C AMRAAM and two AIM-9M Sidewinder air-to-air missiles, and JDAM guided bombs.
And to those who still say that the Raptor is just too old and outdated,
we say: The Pentagon anticipates that the aircraft’s upgrades will be completed by the
fall of 2031. We think that that’s reason enough not to count this fighter out.
The F/A-XX Meanwhile, we have arrived in the future,
because here we have a fighter that is unlike any other. The XX is a sixth-generation fighter that
is set to replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet in 10 years. The hopes and dreams placed on it are
truly grandiose, and they include coordinating with groups of drones that will carry equipment,
and electronic warfare. The drones can also be used as communication centers. The fighter
development program began no later than 2012. Its goal is to create a stealthy sixth generation
fighter, and apparently the work is going very, very well, especially considering the fact that
the XX has been included in the aforementioned Next Generation Air Dominance program. This
fighter has an atypical appearance with an almost lambda-shaped wing and front
horizontal tail unit. As for its tail assembly, all available concept images to date show the
fighter as having no tail. Once again, what used to seem impossible or unattainable is
now knocking at the door. “Yeah but what can it do?” -you ask. So far, not much is known
about its characteristics and capabilities. What can be said for sure is that it will outperform
the Hornet in every way, from flight speed to its attack range, which seems quite logical.
When it comes to the Next Generation Air Dominance program, this sixth-generation
fighter certainly fits the bill. The aircraft is based on the X-44 MANTA project, or rather,
it is properly considered to be its spiritual heir. The new fighter will borrow the Manta’s
tailless, wedge-shaped design. Of course, there are rumors that the Pentagon has already designed,
built, and even flown a prototype fighter in total secrecy. What took off appears
to be a next-generation unmanned or manned vehicle. In other words,
we’re expecting a technological revolution in the next 10-15 years, with the US carrying the flag of
change. We doubt that many people would disagree with this assessment, but for those who do,
we have a funny little story for you that we mentioned at the beginning of the video.
Many viewers might be wondering why there are no Russian fighters on the list? Let us explain.
Many people in the Russian Federation considered Crimea to be like an unsinkable aircraft carrier.
Indeed, planes of every kind have taken off from this area, including the latest and
most dangerous. But on August 9, 2022, something changed. An airfield was struck in Novofedorivka,
in the Saky district. This settlement is located in Crimea. As a result of the strike,
at least 9 aircraft were destroyed, not to mention how many were damaged. What exactly
struck the airfield is unknown. It could’ve been an ATACMS, or a “Grom” missile strike. Either way,
it will be a full year before the airfield is operational again. The point is that
Russia has once again lost tens of millions of dollars while suffering a blow to its aviation,
which has been so diligently promoted for years on Russian television - talking about
what dangerous planes they have... And given the technological problems they’ve been facing,
every piece of equipment lost is one that Russia is unlikely to recover. Not to mention
the blow to its reputation, because there were so many who said that Ukraine would
never dare to attack Crimea. In the end, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported that the
explosions were due to non-compliance with fire safety equipment. Ukraine of course joked that
yet another Russian soldier had been smoking in the wrong area, and Russia timidly agreed.
That's all for today. Stay with us, because it only gets more interesting!
We hope you enjoyed the video. Which fighter aircraft surprised you the most and which do you
think is best-suited for military aviation? Leave your answers in the comments. If you
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