It's not stealth or speed that is the largest technological hurdle to the first sixth-generation fighters yet entering service, but rather thermodynamics. The incredibly high electrical power needs of the powerplants and electronic systems on board next-gen fighter jets will require an enormous amount of electricity generation, which comes with a lot of heat. These aircraft are expected to feature stunning leaps in technology, drone interoperability, and even directed energy weapons, better known as lasers. The Chinese defense industry was the first to fly working prototypes, but since then, the apparent progress has been slow-going, with the primary hurdle expected…