Numerous authorities and organizations have classified fighter planes into generations. These generation designations are usually based on technological advances. However, the definition is more subjective than it may appear. There are different generational boundaries, and it is not uncommon for aircraft to have both characteristics of each generation.
Gen 1 was the first classification for early jet fighters. First generation fighters like the Meteor entered service in World War II. Hawker Hunter, McDonnell F2H Banshees, the Folland Gnat and McDonnell FH Phantom are other examples of this generation's jets. They had a revolutionary speed advantage over their piston-engine predecessors.
Next-generation fighter aircraft were built with multi-role capabilities in mind. They would be equipped with a range of armaments including laser-guided bombs, pulse-doppler radar and other types of weapons. They are expected to be easier to maneuver and have a greater range. It was also expected that radars could be used to fire beyond the visual range, and that they could engage in air-to–air interception.
Next generation fighters would also be expected to have radars capable of shooting down enemy aircraft. They were expected to be quicker and more precise than the previous generation aircraft. They would also have laser-guided Bombs and terrain-warning Systems. They will have radars with higher accuracy that can fire at targets beyond visible range. Additionally, they will be capable of flying to shallow dives in order to reach super-cruise.
Fourth generation fighters were designed with thinner control surfaces and swept-back wings. They could also fly at high speeds. They could also be equipped with nuclear-tipped air to-air missiles. Their engines could reach Mach 2 speeds. Both the North American F-86 Sabre (USA) and the F-86 Sabre (North America) were outstanding fighters in this generation.
The fifth generation of fighters features all-aspect stealth, active electronically scan array radars and internal carriage precision weapons. They can also be used for air-to–ground missions. These aircraft also have sixth-generation gas turbine engines that are more powerful than their predecessors. These aircraft can also sustain high-G flight while maintaining low 70 knots at angles.
The fifth generation fighters comes with integrated avionics and data fusion systems. These advanced systems enable the aircraft's communication with many drones and sensors. The F-35's data fusion capabilities are among the best in combat. It is also one the few fifth-generation fighters with super-cruise ability.
These fighters are also known for their superior performance and high thrust-to-weight ratio. They can sustain high-G flying for extended periods. They can also carry out air to-ground and air-to–air missions. They can also carry out air-to ground strafing missions. They are also equipped with sophisticated integrated avionics and low-observable surveillance techniques. They can also be used as a networking hub for other assets on the battlefield.
The fifth generation fighters of today are much more advanced than their predecessors. The F-22 Raptor is currently the only fifth-generation fighter in service. It was the first aircraft of this type to be built. Although it isn't the most advanced fighter, it is still a great choice. The F-35 Lightning II is expected to join the 5th generation fighter club when it is operational in a few years.