(Luft) Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD)

[Schneemann]

Report to Congress on Air Force Next-Generation Air Dominance Program

According to the Air Force, the Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program is intended to develop “a portfolio of technologies enabling air superiority.” The Air Force intends for NGAD to replace the F-22 fighter jet beginning in 2030, possibly including a combination of crewed and uncrewed aircraft, with other systems and sensors. NGAD began as a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency project. Since 2015, Congress has appropriated approximately $4.2 billion for NGAD. [...]

While a stated aim of the NGAD program is to replace the F-22 fighter jet, the aircraft that come out of the NGAD program may or may not look like a traditional fighter. [...]

NGAD Development Efforts

The Air Force has said that NGAD exists to develop four publicly acknowledged technologies.

- Propulsion. Over the past few years, the Air Force has invested substantially in variable cycle engines through the Advanced Engine Technology program. One objective for this program is to improve the amount of electrical power generation while improving cooling.
- Uncrewed systems. Secretary Kendall has stated the Air Force is developing uncrewed aircraft complementing NGAD. While the Service has not stated how it intends to use these uncrewed aircraft, some analysts suggest these aircraft could collect intelligence, provide electronic warfare capabilities, or carry additional munitions.
- Materials. The NGAD program seeks to examine new composite materials and structures. FY2023 Air Force budget materials state it seeks to “continue new low cost design and manufacturing structural concepts for attritable vehicles,” implying that these new materials could be used for uncrewed aircraft.
- Sensors. This development effort likely seeks to develop an advanced radar, infrared sensors, and improved electro-optical cameras. [...]

Thus the company that wins the design contract might be different from the company receiving the production contract, and a third company could win the sustainment contract to support the aircraft in the field.

Does NGAD Compete with F-35?

For the next few years, the Air Force aims for NGAD to be a research effort, with plans to acquire production aircraft or other systems beginning around 2030. Congress authorizes and appropriates research and development funds and production funds in separate budget lines. F-35 is funded largely through procurement, while NGAD is funded through research and development [...] Also, the air dominance role NGAD is intended for is more in line with the current mission of the F-22 or F-15EX than F-35. [...]

Secretary Kendall has stated that NGAD will cost “several hundreds of millions” per aircraft. By comparison the F-22 Raptor had an average per unit cost of $191.6 million which resulted in a procurement of 183 aircraft. Some Members have expressed concern about the cost of NGAD, particularly in light of competing Air Force priorities including nuclear modernization, F-35 procurement, and aerial refueling tanker recapitalization.

https://news.usni.org/2022/06/24/report-...ce-program

Schneemann