7th-Generation Fighters Could Put China and Russia’s Military in a ‘Chokehold’

第7代戰(zhàn)斗機可能會讓中國和俄羅斯的軍隊陷入“窒息”


Over the past several months, there has been a lot of buzz about potential upcoming sixth-generation fighter jets.
Today, I want to look further into the future and speculate about what we can expect from seventh-generation aircraft. While the development of these aircraft remains speculative, current trends and emerging technologies provide a glimpse into what we might expect from these next-generation warplanes.

過去數(shù)月，關(guān)于第六代戰(zhàn)斗機的討論甚囂塵上。
今天，我將試圖展望更遠未來，推演第七代戰(zhàn)機可能具備的特征。盡管此類機型尚處概念階段，但當(dāng)前趨勢與新興技術(shù)已為我們勾勒出了下一代戰(zhàn)機的輪廓。

One of the most anticipated advancements in 7th-generation fighter jets is hypersonic flight. These aircraft are expected to achieve speeds exceeding Mach 5, which translates to over 6,125 km/h. Hypersonic capabilities would allow these jets to cover vast distances in a matter of minutes, significantly reducing response times during critical missions. However, achieving and maintaining such speeds presents major technical challenges, particularly in terms of thermal resistance and propulsion systems.

第七代戰(zhàn)斗機最令人期待的進步可能是高超音速飛行能力。這些戰(zhàn)機預(yù)計可達到5馬赫以上（約6125公里/小時），能在數(shù)分鐘內(nèi)跨越廣闊距離，大幅縮短關(guān)鍵任務(wù)的響應(yīng)時間。然而，維持如此高速面臨重大技術(shù)挑戰(zhàn)，尤其是熱阻耐受性與推進系統(tǒng)的穩(wěn)定性。

Stealth has been a cornerstone of modern fighter jets, and 7th generation aircraft will push this further. These jets will likely feature next-generation radar-absorbing coatings and aerodynamic designs that minimize thermal and radar signatures. Advanced composite materials and internal structures designed to scatter electromagnetic waves could significantly enhance their stealth capabilities, making them nearly invisible to even the most sophisticated detection systems.

隱身一直是現(xiàn)代戰(zhàn)斗機的核心，第七代戰(zhàn)機將更進一步。它們可能采用新一代雷達吸波涂層與氣動設(shè)計，最大限度降低熱信號與雷達反射。結(jié)合先進復(fù)合材料與電磁波散射結(jié)構(gòu)，其隱身能力將大幅提升，甚至能避開最先進的探測系統(tǒng)。

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into fighter jets is set to revolutionize aerial combat. 7th generation fighters are expected to incorporate generative AI for real-time decision-making, threat analysis, and optimal engagement strategies. AI could also manage onboard systems autonomously, reducing pilot workload and enhancing overall mission efficiency. This level of autonomy could extend to fully unmanned operations, where AI-driven jets operate independently or in coordination with manned aircraft.

人工智能的整合將徹底改變空戰(zhàn)模式。第七代戰(zhàn)機或?qū)⒋钶d生成式AI，實現(xiàn)實時決策、威脅分析及最優(yōu)作戰(zhàn)策略制定。AI還可自主管理機載系統(tǒng)，減輕飛行員工作量，提升任務(wù)效率。這種自主性可能擴展至完全無人化操作，AI驅(qū)動的戰(zhàn)機可獨立行動或與有人戰(zhàn)機協(xié)同。


Technology We Can’t Yet Imagine
Future fighter jets will likely feature advanced sensor fusion, integrating data from multiple sources to provide a comprehensive situational awareness picture. This capability will be crucial for network-centric warfare, where information dominance and rapid decision-making are key. Enhanced communication systems will enable seamless data sharing between aircraft, ground units, and other assets, ensuring coordinated and effective operations.

我們尚無法想象的技術(shù)
未來的戰(zhàn)斗機可能會具備先進的傳感器融合技術(shù)，整合來自多個來源的數(shù)據(jù)，提供全面的態(tài)勢感知。這一能力在以信息主導(dǎo)和快速決策為核心的網(wǎng)絡(luò)化戰(zhàn)爭中至關(guān)重要。增強的通信系統(tǒng)將使得飛機、地面部隊和其他資產(chǎn)之間的數(shù)據(jù)共享無縫連接，確保協(xié)調(diào)一致、有效的作戰(zhàn)。
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Directed energy weapons, such as high-energy lasers and microwave systems, are expected to become a standard feature of 7th-generation fighter jets. These weapons offer several advantages, including precision targeting, rapid engagement, and a virtually unlimited ammunition supply, as long as there is sufficient power. Directed energy weapons could be used for both offensive and defensive purposes, neutralizing incoming threats and engaging enemy targets with unprecedented accuracy.

定向能量武器（如高能激光和微波系統(tǒng)）預(yù)計將成為第七代戰(zhàn)機的標準配置。這些武器具有多個優(yōu)勢，包括精準打擊、快速反應(yīng)以及幾乎無限的彈藥供應(yīng)，只要有足夠的電力。定向能量武器既可用于進攻，也可用于防御，實現(xiàn)攻防一體的作戰(zhàn)效能，并以前所未有的精準度打擊敵方目標。
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The propulsion systems of 7th-generation fighter jets will likely incorporate cutting-edge technologies such as scramjets and advanced turbofans. These systems will not only enable hypersonic speeds but also improve fuel efficiency and operational range. Additionally, advancements in materials science will play a crucial role in developing engines that can withstand the extreme temperatures and stresses associated with hypersonic flight.

第七代戰(zhàn)斗機的推進系統(tǒng)可能采用超燃沖壓發(fā)動機與先進渦扇發(fā)動機等前沿技術(shù)。這些系統(tǒng)不僅能實現(xiàn)高超音速飛行，還能提升燃油效率與作戰(zhàn)半徑。此外，材料科學(xué)的進步將對開發(fā)耐受高超音速飛行中極端溫度與應(yīng)力的發(fā)動機起到關(guān)鍵作用。

Another intriguing possibility for 7th-generation fighter jets is the ability to operate in space. These aircraft could be designed to leave the Earth’s atmosphere, conduct high-altitude reconnaissance missions, deploy tactical satellites, or even carry out strikes from space. This capability would provide a strategic advantage, allowing for operations beyond the reach of traditional air defenses.

第七代戰(zhàn)機的另一個引人注目的可能性是能夠在太空中作戰(zhàn)。這些飛機可能被設(shè)計成能夠脫離地球大氣層，執(zhí)行高空偵察任務(wù)、部署戰(zhàn)術(shù)衛(wèi)星，甚至從太空進行打擊。這一能力將提供戰(zhàn)略優(yōu)勢，使得作戰(zhàn)能夠超越傳統(tǒng)空中防御的范疇。

Still a Long Way to Go
While the capabilities of 7th-generation fighter jets are exciting, the timeline for their development remains uncertain. Current efforts in military aviation are primarily focused on 6th generation technology, with several nations actively developing prototypes and conducting research. Experts suggest that 7th-generation fighters may not become a reality until the 2050s or even the 2070s.

仍然任重道遠
盡管第七代戰(zhàn)機的能力令人興奮，但其研發(fā)時間表仍不確定。目前，軍事航空的工作主要集中在第六代技術(shù)上，多個國家正在積極開發(fā)原型機并進行研究。專家認為，第七代戰(zhàn)機可能要到2050年代甚至2070年代才能實現(xiàn)。

Several factors contribute to this extended timeline. The development of hypersonic propulsion, advanced stealth materials, and AI-driven systems presents significant technical challenges. Research and development in these areas require substantial investment and time to achieve the desired performance and reliability.

多個因素導(dǎo)致了這一延長的時間表。高超音速推進技術(shù)、先進的隱身材料和人工智能驅(qū)動系統(tǒng)的開發(fā)面臨著巨大的技術(shù)挑戰(zhàn)。這些領(lǐng)域的研發(fā)需要大量的投資和時間，才能實現(xiàn)預(yù)期的性能和可靠性。

The cost of developing and producing 7th generation fighter jets will be immense. Budget constraints and competing priorities within defense budgets could impact the pace of development. Nations will need to balance the investment in next-generation technology with other defense and security needs.Geopolitical dynamics often influence the development of advanced military technology. International tensions, alliances, and rivalries will shape the priorities and timelines for developing 7th-generation fighter jets. Collaborative efforts between allied nations could accelerate progress, while adversarial relationships might lead to an arms race in advanced aviation technology.

第七代戰(zhàn)斗機的研發(fā)與生產(chǎn)成本將極其龐大。預(yù)算限制和國防預(yù)算中不同優(yōu)先事項的競爭可能會影響開發(fā)進程。各國需要在投資下一代技術(shù)與其他防務(wù)和安全需求之間找到平衡。

Science Fiction for Now
The concept of 7th-generation fighter jets could be the pinnacle of military aviation innovation. With capabilities such as hypersonic flight, advanced stealth, AI-driven autonomy, and space operations, these aircraft promise to redefine the future of aerial warfare. However, the journey to realizing these capabilities is fraught with technical, ethical, economic, and geopolitical challenges.

當(dāng)前仍是科幻
第七代戰(zhàn)斗機的概念或許是軍事航空創(chuàng)新的巔峰。憑借高超音速飛行、先進隱身、人工智能驅(qū)動的自主性及太空作戰(zhàn)能力，這些戰(zhàn)機有望徹底重塑未來空戰(zhàn)的面貌。然而，要實現(xiàn)這些能力仍需跨越技術(shù)、倫理、經(jīng)濟與地緣政治等多重挑戰(zhàn)。
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While we may not see 7th-generation fighter jets in the skies for several decades, the ongoing research and development in related technologies provide a glimpse into the future of air combat.

盡管我們可能需數(shù)十年才能目睹第七代戰(zhàn)斗機翱翔天際，但相關(guān)技術(shù)的持續(xù)研發(fā)已為未來空戰(zhàn)提供了重要前瞻視角。

As nations continue to push the boundaries of what is possible, the dream of 7th generation fighter jets moves closer to becoming a reality.

隨著各國不斷突破技術(shù)邊界，第七代戰(zhàn)機的夢想正在逐步從科幻走向現(xiàn)實。