A 6th generation fighter, what is it? The United States, Russia and China are the only nations that have designed and built fifth- generation fighters.

The technology is still cutting-edge. Great powers tend to compete with each other and contemplate the 6th generation of fighter technology.

There are only sixth- generation fighters. The US, Russia, China, Japan, the UK, and France are all working on 6th- generation fighters.

The expectation is that the next generation won't debut until the 17th century.

Design aircraft for future conflicts.

Future Combat Air System fighter jet
A full-scale model of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) presented by Dassault Aviation at the 53rd International Paris Air Show on June 17, 2019.
ERIC PIERMONT/AFP via Getty Images

The basis of what a 6th-Generation fighter is is a set of distinct features. All of the fifth generation-worthy abilities will need to be improved.

The focus on close-combat dogfighting, which dominated 20th century aerial warfare, is becoming a peripheral concern of aircraft manufacturers. Cyber warfare and even space warfare are relevant now. Missile combat beyond-visual-range is important.

The next generation of jet fighters will likely have the ability to operate autonomously. In order to provide warfighters with a complete picture of the battlespace, sixth- generation fighters will need to integrate with a variety of other jets, drones, soldiers, and sensors.

The performance characteristics of a sixth- generation fighter will be achieved with various design elements. The "brains" of the aircraft will be the foundation of sixth- generation technology.

Features that help the pilot integrate will be included in the jets. In addition to a new-age instrument panel, new fighters will likely feature "Virtual cockpits" presented into the pilot's helmet, which will allow the pilot to see more clearly.

Air Force F-22 aerial refueling
A US Air Force F-22 over Nevada on March 2, 2011.
US Air Force/Senior Airman Brett Clashman

6th generation fighters will need advanced stealth technology as air defense systems grow more sophisticated. Variable-cycle engines, which can operate efficiently under a variety of circumstances, such as cruising without consuming too much gas, and being able to provide high-end thrust and performance, are expected to be included in the new jets.

It is thought that sixth- generation fighters will feature directed-energy weapons.

It's not clear whether the nation's 6th generation technology can pull off such an array of novel technologies. Financial constraints will play a big part.

Fighter concepts are being developed. The F-X program is being worked on by the Japanese. Japan will be the first country in the world to produce a stealth program. The first sixth- generation fighter in Europe is a group of nations. The Future Combat Air System is being worked on by the United Kingdom, Sweden, Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. It's not clear whether the six nations can coordinate such an ambitious project. Russia, with its long history of impressive achievements, is working on various projects, including the PAKDP, which is slated to replace the MiG-31.

India, which is currently working to match China's impressive military build-up, is still working on a fifth- generation model, but is also looking ahead, and starting to plan for the development of sixth- generation technology. China is currently researching a 6th generation fighter platform to complement their military.

America will be the first country in the sky.

US Air Force sixth-generation fighter jet F-X
A US Air Force illustration from 2018 of a potential next-generation fighter concept.
Screenshot/US Air Force

The US is expected to be the first to field a 6th- generation fighter. There are sixth- generation projects in the works.

The F-22 and F-35 were plagued with delays and cost overruns. The programs were criticized, but may be par for the course of pushing the boundaries of technology. Similar pitfalls may be found in the pursuit of 6th- generation tech.

There is an editor at 19FortyFive. He was medically discharged from the US Air Force after joining as a pilot. Harrison has degrees from Lake Forest College, the University of Oregon, and New York University. In Oregon, he listens to Dokken. If you follow him, you'll get to know him on the social media site.