The mysterious sixth-generation plane came to life in just one year. This breakthrough tech helps explain how. //

• The Air Force has created an “e-Series” designation for digitally designed aircraft.
• The Air Force's secret new fighter jet, which it designed, built, and flew in just one year, is the second e-Plane, following the eT-7A Red Hawk.
• The sixth-generation e-Plane is adopting Formula 1-style practices.

Dr. Will Roper is the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics.

Our clunky, Cold War-era process of defense procurement is in need of a major refresh. While it still produces world-leading military systems, its escalating timelines and cost are unsustainable byproducts. The stark contrast with commercial industry warns the U.S. military may have peaked, unless we find a better way—soon.

Right on cue, then, here comes digital engineering, a new commercial technology that’s lending a legitimate art form to military weapons-buying with revolutionary, even stylish results. (Yes, we just used “art form” and “weapons-buying” in the same sentence.)