Last March Hush-Kit magazine introduced the concept of a promising F-36 King snake fighter jet. Obviously, such a concept would not get any development and the Air Force is unlikely to pay attention to it.

A hypothetical appearance of an F-36 fighter jet
Last March Hush-Kit magazine introduced the concept of a promising F-36 King snake fighter jet. This hypothetical project provides the best design and approach for the USAF to develop a new aircraft capable of replacing the aging F-16. Obviously, such a concept would not get any development and the Air Force is unlikely to pay attention to it. However, some of the ideas of this "project" are interesting and require closer examination. Initiative from the side
At the beginning of last year, representatives of the US Air Force said that in the near future, they will begin to develop a new fighter to replace the existing F-16. These announcements attracted attention—and, among other things, became opportunities to be published on Hush-Kit. The magazine offers its own version of the advanced aircraft called the F-36 King snake. The concept for the
F-36 was developed by the magazine's editorial staff with the involvement of experienced British aircraft manufacturers. One of its authors is Stephen McPartlin, an aerodynamics expert who has worked at RAE/DRA/DERA/QinetiQ for 22 years. James Smith also contributed to the development of a number of combat aircraft. The graphic materials for the "project" were created by artist Andy Godfrey of Teasel Studio. The main idea of ​​the
concept is to speed up the development and construction of aircraft by wisely lowering requirements and abandoning overly bold ideas. New organizational solutions are proposed to avoid typical difficulties of recent projects. In addition, the general technical appearance of this aircraft was developed.
explains the main features and advantages of the F-36 concept aircraft. The existing F-35 fighter jet has been compared to a Ferrari supercar, and the F-22F has been compared to the more complex and expensive Bugatti Chiron. However, the USAF needs some kind of Nissan 300ZX, that would be a King Snake, not that expensive but works great. new approach
A typical problem with recent US projects is delays and rising costs. In this regard, Hush-Kit offers some fundamental innovations of an organizational nature. Curiously, some of these measures explicitly reject established principles.

First of all, customers should formulate reasonable tactical and technical requirements with minimal risk and "freeze" within the year. The Project CEO shall be selected without a competitive phase and shall have the right to independently search for subcontractors. The same goes for engine development. This is expected to save time and not increase the cost of the job. The development of
projects should be overseen by a specially appointed "King of Luddites" - a technically literate and strong-willed individual who is not prone to careerism and is not a communicator. It should prevent attempts to modify technical requirements to make them more complex and risky. However, further modernization due to the introduction of new units and software is not ruled out.
The aircraft should be designed for minimal production sites without requiring complex technologies. Therefore, only available materials and components that do not require long-term development and development should be used in the design. simplified design
F-36 concept aircraft proposes a plan to build multi-purpose fighter . It is characterized by its rejection of invisibility as one of the project's main goals.
proposes an aircraft with a distinct fuselage and delta wings . The nose part is taken from the mass-produced F-16, and the wings are similar to the plane of the experimental F-16XL. A delta wing with a broken leading edge is supposed to improve aerodynamics and maneuverability. There are two keels on the trailing edge of the wing, with a slight curvature outward.
placed a F-22 fighter modification and a simplified F119 engine at the tail of the fuselage. F-15EX and F-35 engines were also considered, but they were deemed impractical. Modifying F119 will get you the features you need and speed up your work. In particular, without using afterburner, the aircraft will be able to reach speeds of up to 1,4M. Connected afterburner will allow overclocking up to 1,8-2 M.

Series F-36C of the US Air Force fleet AN/APG-83 radar with AFAR and optical positioning station should be located in the bow part of the aircraft. The single-seater is organized on the principle of "glass cockpit", in this case using windscreen indicators and a unified display system.Such a device would be simpler and cheaper than the current F-35.
The author of this project believes that the F-36 needs a built-in cannon . The M61 Vulcan was placed on the right wing. Missile weapons will include different types of modern and advanced designs, including. Long term product. It is not excluded to work on ground targets with the help of missiles and bombs. For weapons can design internal compartments and towers under the wings. Prospects and Challenges
The authors of the F-36 King Snake concept are not restricted by actual tactical and technical tasks and approval procedures for development projects. In this regard, they present quite interesting ideas in all major areas, proposals that deserve to be considered in more detail. The main idea of ​​the
Assumption project is to simplify organization, development and design as much as possible. This will save time and reduce costs, but will limit the level of performance achievable. In fact, to replace the "4+" generation fighters, the "5" generation will be offered, but you don't have to wait long.
provides an original approach to project development and implementation. It excludes the traditional competitive segment, which could take several years. In addition, "frozen" technical requirements are provided - these should not be modified during the design process, as the technical requirements are not subject to modification. After adjusting the mission, it is always necessary to reframe the project and look beyond the established financial and time frames. What is curious is the proposal for "King Ludd", which would protect projects from excessive complexity and associated risks. The
simplification process influenced the design of the F-36. It is based on existing and experimental technologies, as well as finished or slightly modified aggregates. The time and financial benefits of such a design are obvious. At the same time, as preliminary calculations show, with the correct selection of units and units, a high level of characteristics can be obtained without additional projects.

Despite all the simplification measures, there is a basic possibility, equipped with the most modern avionics, that determines its combat qualities. The same thing applies to weapons: the fighter jet will receive an old cannon, as well as different types of missiles, including those that do not yet exist.
However, the Hush-Kit concept has some serious problems that practically preclude its further development. The first is its origin. The U.S. Air Force has not yet ordered the development of a replacement aircraft for the F-16, and the proposed F-36 is an "initiative development." Furthermore, this "project" was carried out not by an aircraft company, but by a dedicated group of journalists and experts. Apparently such a concept is of no real interest to pentagon . The development method proposed by
has certain benefits. But they require an overhaul of existing defense command systems and related procedures. Such advice is definitely not suitable for the military sector. The Code therefore regulates the stages of competition development and determines other aspects of the creation of new technologies. Reforming these principles is unlikely to save money and time, and risk new organizational or corruption problems.
The U.S. Air Force intends to develop a 5th generation fighter jet and is already developing the next 6th generation fighter jet. Suggestions to reduce power generation are unlikely to be understood by them. It should be remembered that a real replacement for the F-16 will appear only in the early 30s, by which time the F-36 fighters of the "5" generation will become morally obsolete. This fact will have a foreseeable impact on customer opinions.
In addition, it is not difficult to observe that the F-36 does not have fundamental advantages over the F-16. It's just about the growth of individual characteristics and the emergence of some new opportunities. Technological breakthroughs like the difference between the F-16 and F-35 are to be expected. This clearly reduces Kingsnake's supposed value to customers. Hypothetical Aircraft Industry
Obviously, the concept of the F-36 King Snake fighter jet by "Hush-Kit" magazine and the British aircraft manufacturer will still remain at the level of general ideas and theoretical suggestions. It was not actually implemented for several reasons. Furthermore, the USAF probably didn't even notice it, along with many other magazine items.
However, similar ideas and concepts have been proposed in specialized departments of the Pentagon, related organizations and aircraft construction companies.Next year, the US Air Force will start the development of a replacement for the F-16, it will be necessary to formulate the shape of such an aircraft and establish tactical and technical requirements. It cannot be ruled out that the Air Force will eventually require some kind of "paper" F-36, but this issue will only be clarified in the future.