TechGermany's "Devil" Jet: A New Fighter with Unmatched Capabilities
Germany's "Devil" Jet: A New Fighter with Unmatched Capabilities
Scientists from the German Aerospace Center (DLR) have made significant progress in developing a new sixth-generation fighter jet, according to the Bulgarian Military portal. This jet, designated the DLR-FFD Devil (meaning "devil" in English), has become a subject of keen interest. Here's what we know about it so far.
10:33 AM EDT, March 30, 2024
Currently, it's not clear whether the "Devil" project is integrated into the agreement that includes Germany, France, and Spain (under the Future Combat Air System program), or if it's the result of an independent collaboration between Berlin and the United Kingdom, Japan, and Italy (within the Global Combat Air Programme).
## The German "Devil": A Glimpse into its Capabilities
According to the specification sheet made public by the manufacturer, there are several standout features of the "Devil" worth noting. One of the most notable is its range, estimated at about 1,243 miles, with an effective range of up to 807 miles. Furthermore, this German-engineered jet has a maximum take-off weight of 79,366 pounds, with a maximum payload of up to 17,637 pounds.
The armament of the "Devil" is equally remarkable, equipped with an internal bay designed to carry air-to-air guided missiles totaling up to 3,968 pounds. Such capacity represents a balance between powerful armaments and maintaining the aircraft's stealth capabilities, allowing it to fly undetected by enemy observation and reconnaissance systems.
Details about the Devil's propulsion system remain speculative. However, expectations suggest it will be powered by two engines, each capable of a thrust of 32,621 or 51,034 pounds-force, leading to a potential thrust-to-weight ratio of 0.84 or an impressive 1.32. Moreover, a critical aspect of the "Devil" is its maximum speed, which can reach up to 1,739 mph (2.6 Mach), with a maximum operational altitude of 49,869 feet.
"The German aircraft could be a behemoth in many respects" - this phrase refers to its durable construction, powerful engines, remarkable speed, and outstanding agility. The main goal for developing the Devil is to achieve air dominance, a clear target in response to other developments such as the Russian-developed Su-57 fighter, which could pose a direct challenge. However, details regarding the timeline for the presentation of the Devil's flying prototype and the initiation of mass production remain undisclosed.
