popularmecSu-57 Felon » The Su-57 exchanges data
with nearby aircraft and ground assets, and
couples that data with existing intelligence
to offer a streamlined understanding of the
battle space. These avionics operate on a
concept called network centricity, a new
architecture for the Russian military that can
be improved via software updates to increase
automation over time, freeing the pilot to
engage opponents.
The Su-57 also pairs side-facing radars with
a nose-mounted X-Band N036 Byelka
(Squirrel) AESA radar system. These offer
the Su-57 a wide field of view, enhancing
the pilot’s situational awareness.J-20 Mighty Dragon » The J-20 is believed
to leverage a secure data link for advanced
communications and data transmission. It
boasts a chin-mounted infrared/electro-
optical search-and-track sensor that scans
the horizon for enemy aircraft, and a passive
electro-optical detection system to identify
target aircraft at a distance without putting
off any electromagnetic energy that might
compromise the aircraft’s profile.
On-board systems combine radar
information with infrared imaging for an
integrated view of the battle space via
holographic head-up display and LCD touch
screens. These systems can determine speed,
rate of closure, and even the type of aircraft
being targeted. The primary screen in the
J-20’s cockpit is 24 by 9 inches (60 × 23 cm),
with three smaller auxiliary displays.AVI O N IC S
America’s F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is often referred to by pilots as
a ‘quarterback in the sky’. It’s a flying supercomputer designed to
present vast amounts of data – friendly and enemy aircraft, ground
assets, mission objectives, and more – in a single, simple user
interface. Russia and China have each emphasised this technology in the Felon and
the Mighty Dragon, so the NGAD must access and interpret data from a broader
range of sources. Doing so may require artificial intelligence.
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44 MAY / JUNE 2022 hanics.co.za