Conn: NGAD analysis to finish this spring, report in summer

The Navy expects its analysis of alternatives for a sixth-generation fighter aircraft to wrap up this spring, and a report will follow in the summer, according to the service's top air warfare requirements officer.

"That will inform future choices reflected in future budget cycles in terms of what do we need to do to get after the lethality that we need at a cost we can afford," Rear Adm. Scott Conn (N98) told lawmakers today during a House Armed Services tactical air and land forces subcommittee hearing.

The service began the Next Generation Air Dominance AOA in May 2016 to determine what aircraft would follow the F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and EA-18G Growlers, which are scheduled to retire in the 2030s.

Concepts under review include a mix of manned and unmanned aircraft with advanced propulsion technologies, varying stealth characteristics, advanced standoff weapons, sensors and networks, Inside Defense previously reported.