2030’s 6th Gen: Can US F-47 & FQ-44 CCA Beat Chinese J-36 & J-50 Over Pacific? | Sea Power

What could 6th generation air combat look like over the Pacific in 2030? In this hypothetical future warfare scenario in Sea Power, we explore how the US Air Force’s F-47 and FQ-44 Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA) could use advanced sensor fusion, stealth and networked warfare to hunt Chinese 6th generation fighters.

A networked hunter-killer force

Our F-47 hunter-killer groups are supported by two FQ-44 CCAs and an MQ-25 stealth refueller, extending their reach deep into the Pacific. Each aircraft shares IR, electro-optical, radar and ELINT data, creating a virtual sensor network designed to detect, track and target elusive Chinese stealth aircraft.

The objective is to locate Chinese J-36, J-50 and J-35 fighters using multi-platform sensor fusion, then use superior situational awareness and targeting data to gain the tactical advantage.

Information dominance over dogfighting?

Instead of relying on traditional dogfighting, this 6th generation air combat scenario explores how information dominance, stealth, electronic warfare and network-centric warfare could determine the outcome of future aerial battles.

The F-47 and FQ-44 force will ultimately attempt to engage opposing aircraft with AIM-260 air-to-air missiles, while facing the threat of long-range Chinese PL-17 and PL-16 missiles.

Who gains the advantage?

So, how would the F-47, FQ-44 and MQ-25 combination fare against China’s emerging 6th generation fighters over the Pacific?

And could sensor fusion and information superiority prove more important than manoeuvrability in the next generation of air warfare?

Let’s find out.

▶ Watch: 2030’s 6th Gen — Can US F-47 & FQ-44 CCA Beat Chinese J-36 & J-50 Over Pacific? | Sea Power

This video is a speculative analysis of potential future air combat capabilities and is not intended to represent confirmed operational plans or capabilities.