Lockheed Skunkworks Tailless Fighter Design

Lockheed Martin has a video ad for 80 years of Skunkwork projects which includes a drawing of a tailless fighter design. The tailless fighter is being used for the NGAD (next generation air dominance) 6th generation fighter.

The new ad has the tailless manned tactical jet concept. It look like the design of the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative.

The canopy in the drawing is larger compared to the other art we have seen from Lockheed. This might hold two crew instead of one. NGAD overall is highly focused on automation with the infusion of artificial intelligence (AI) in the manned aircraft and its drone wingmen being key features, one pilot can only do so much. These aircraft are going to be as much forward battle management nodes and flying quarterbacks of the fight as traditional fighters.

The 6th generation fighter is highly anticipated. It is expected that the maker of the engine and the company to make the plane will be selected in 2024.

The engine will be made by GE or Pratt and Whitney. The plane will be made by Lockheed or Boeing.

Those closely following the stealth fighter program have made numerous renderings based upon the known information.

There are certain design features that are needed for maximizing the low visibility to radar. This has been seen in the B21 bomber which has been seen with it first flights.