F-25™

he aviation community frequently classifies military jet fighters by generations. There is no official military basis for these categories, but rather the perception of the differences between new aircraft in a given time period define these groupings. The system is based solely off of the characteristic features of these aircraft as they are produced.

The first generation of fighters are those produced between the mid-1940's and mid-50's. This generation encompasses the first ever jet aircraft that were first built at the end of WWII. These aircraft were subsonic and were not all that different from their piston-driven predecessors. Many of them kept the unswepped wing alignment of turboprop fighters. The main focus of the manufacturers of these early aircraft was pure speed. Not much was put into survivability or maneuverability. The main weapons continued to be guns. Other innovations such as horizontal stabilizers and ejection seats also came out of this era. Noteable aircraft of this generation include:

Messerschmitt Me 262
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17
Gloster Meteor
Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star
North American F-86 Sabre

Second generation fighters (mid-50's-early 60's) were the first to be built and designed for nuclear warfare. These aircraft were made from lighter aluminium alloys which greatly increased speed and maneuverability. Afterburning turbofan engines made it possible to sustain supersonic flight. The delta wing was first introduced at this time. The combination of the first radar systems and infrared missiles changed the art of the dogfight forever by introducing beyond-visual range fighting. Second generation fighters include:

Dassault Mirage III
Saab 35 Draken
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21
Hawker Hunter
North American F-100 Super Sabre
Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
Republic F-105 Thunderchief
Convair F-106 Delta Dart
Convair F-102 Delta Dagger
Chance-Vought F-8 Crusader

The 1960's and 70's brought the third generation fighters. These aircraft emphasized ground attack and close-in dogfighting capabilities. Canards were frequently incorporated on these fighters. Thrust vectoring and VTOL capabilities first came about with the Harrier. Further developments were made to missiles and radar systems and analog displays were first put in the cockpit. Jamming of enemy radar became possible with new electronic systems. Gatling cannons were developed in this era. The famous TOPGUN academy was established in this generation. Aircraft include:

Dassault Mirage F1
Mitsubishi F-1
Atlas Cheetah
Saab 37 Viggen
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 Foxbat
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-23 Flogger
Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21MF/bis Fishbed
McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter

The forth generation came about in the late 70's and continued through the 1990's. These aircraft were characterized by multi-role abilities. That is, they are able to carry out a multitude of different missions. These planes used fire-control radars and heads-up displays to give the pilot better control of his aircraft. Multi-function displays simplified the cockpit so that the pilot could better focus on his mission. New composite materials made aircraft stronger and gave them much longer life spans. The Energy-Maneuverability theory and its focus on thrust-to-weight ratio heavily influenced the design of these aircraft. Long range, radar-guided missiles were born and put on aircraft like the F-14. Stealth was first developed at this time on the F-117, but the aviation community does not generally accept this aircraft as a true fighter, given its poor air-air capabilities. Forth generation aircraft include:

Dassault Mirage 2000/2000D/2000N
Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker
Mikoyan MiG-29 Fulcrum
Mikoyan MiG-31 Foxhound
Panavia Tornado ADV
Grumman F-14 Tomcat
McDonnell Douglas / Boeing F-15 Eagle
General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16 Fighting Falcon
McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet

Presently, there is a gap forming between the 4th and 5th generation aircraft that is being called generation 4.5. In the post cold war era, development of fighters has slowed due to inventory and budget cut-backs. Governments are finding it better to improve existing aircraft than to develop new ones. These aircraft do not have true stealth capabilities, but do incorporate reduced radar cross sections. New models commonly have AESA radar and helmet mounted sights. Communication is key to future combat, and these aircraft utilize secure data links to seamlessly communicate between pilots and ground forces. Many new fighters use thrust vectoring and carbon fibre designs to improve flight characteristics. Fighters under development or in service include:

Dassault Rafale
Saab 39 Gripen
Mitsubishi F-2
HAL Tejas
Chengdu J-10
Shenyang J-11B Flanker
Sukhoi Su-30M Flanker С
Sukhoi Su-32/34 Fullback
Sukhoi Su-35 Flanker E
Mikoyan MiG-29M Fulcrum E
Mikoyan MiG-35 Fulcrum F
Su-30MKI Flanker H
Eurofighter Typhoon
McDonnell Douglas / Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle
Lockheed Martin F-16E/F
Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet
Boeing E/A-18G Growler

The fifth generation presently and in the future is totally developed around computer networks and better communication. They use AESA radar and all-glass cockpits. These aircraft are the latest in stealth technology (the F-22 has the radar cross-section of a bumblebee). Many planes use supercruise, which allows fighters to fly supersonic without afterburner, thus greatly reducing the infrared signature. Plane already in service are:

Lockheed Martin / Boeing F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

Fighters under development include:

Sukhoi PAK FA
Shenyang J-XX
Mitsubishi ATD-X
Medium Combat Aircraft
KFX

Demonstrators include:

Lockheed Martin YF-22
Northrop YF-23 Black Widow II
Lockheed Martin X-35
Boeing X-32 JSF
Boeing Bird of Prey
McDonnell Douglas X-36
Sukhoi Su-47 Firkin
Mikoyan Project 1.44 Flatpack