Fighter generations

[500]

There are several views about fighter generations. I decided to make my own list.

1st Generation

They were little different from piston engine fighters. Unswept (or very little swept) wings, no radar, guns remain the principal armament. Max speed 900-950 km/h.

1+ Generation

Highly swept wings, speed about 1100 km/h but still subsonic. Only in dive some could breach the sound barrier.

1++ Generation

Afterburners, 1 mach supersonic speed.

2nd Generation

2 mach speed, heat seeking missiles, simple radars.

3rd Generation

Radar guided missiles, larger longer range radars, airframe became more heavy, improved aerodynamics.

4th Generation

High maneuverability: high thrust-weight ratio, low wing loading, fly by wire, aerodynamic instability. Pulse-doppler radars with look down capability, turbofan enjines, all aspect heat seeking missiles, glass cockpit.

4+ Generation

Super high maneuverability, reduced RCS, AESA radars, HMD, net enabled operations, integrated sensor fusion.

I included only new airframes, but modified 4th Gen also relate to 4+ Gen: F-15SG, F-16E, Su-35, Su-30, MiG-35, Grippen NG...

5th Generation

In addition to 4+ gen capabilities they have full stealth with internal weapon loading.

You'r welcome to disagree.

 

[BATMAN]

FC-20 is missing and falls in 4+ generation.
F-16 blk52 als0 falls under the category of 4+

 

[500]

FC-20 is missing and falls in 4+ generation.

Its not missing, I put it in 4th gen.

F-16 blk52 als0 falls under the category of 4+

I put block 60 since its more fully filfils the requirements.

 

[rockstarIN]

Then you probably dont have any idea about it... so better not "classify" stuff you cannot comment with any idea on..
Lest you start a flame war here..

She is correct in a way, you seem not read her comment

I included only new airframes, but modified 4th Gen also relate to 4+ Gen: F-15SG, F-16E, Su-35, Su-30, MiG-35, Grippen NG...

 

[Manticore]

http://dc314.*******.com/img/Hx2s419w/evolution.jpg

http://dc314.*******.com/img/Hx2s419w/s7/evolution.jpg

 

[Skull and Bones]

FC-20 is missing and falls in 4+ generation.

J-10 A doesn't have any AESA radar yet, and nothing has been disclosed about it's RCS, so it makes more sense in 4th GEN.

F-16 blk52 als0 falls under the category of 4+

Same conditions are applicable in this case also, lack of AESA radar.

 

[500]

Then you probably dont have any idea about it... so better not "classify" stuff you cannot comment with any idea on..
Lest you start a flame war here..

As I said you are free to disagree. Rafale, EF2000, F-18E have built in measures for RCS reduction like S-ducts and radar blockers. Thats why I attributed them to 4+ gen. In addition F-18E has AESA and Rafale PESA radar.

http://dc314.*******.com/img/Hx2s419w/evolution.jpg

I saw it before. Not really clear why they put F-15SG and MiG-35 over F-18E. Also F-6 (MiG-19) and Phantom are whole different cathegories IMO.

 

[Manticore]

i personaly like the divisions/decade

 

[SQ8]

i personaly like the divisions/decade

The problem is..
When you start classifying on a generational basis.. based on relative equipment fit.
It gets mucky..
An updated Mig-21 can give a normal F-4 a run for its money...

The original F-4 flew 3 years after the Mig-21.
So it belongs in the generation.. It was the operational concepts that differed.
The F-106 flew at the same time as the mig-21.. but was a heavier aircraft with weapons bays, radar guided missiles and an automatic intercept autopilot... it also had good maneuverability in the verticals and a high roll rate.. So what generation does it fit into?

 

[SAUD-404]

Where do JF-17 and LCA latest versions come??????????????? 4+ or 4++ Generation

 

[truthseeker2010]

Where will you put F-15K and F-2?

 

[truthseeker2010]

Where do JF-17 and LCA latest versions come??????????????? 4+ or 4++ Generation

just 4th generation.

 

[Black Widow]

Where do JF-17 and LCA latest versions come??????????????? 4+ or 4++ Generation

Add AESA radar , Reduce RCS, add Thrust vectoring (not mandatory), make it able to super cruise, integrate best weapons, add better data bus, GPS, BVR,HMS , better maneuver then you can claim it to be 4+ gen ...

By the way , good observation by TS... thanks///

 

[saumyasupratik]

My list is only for 4th Generation Fighter and not all of them.Your opinions are welcomed.

4th Generation
Mirage 2000(C/B, 2000-5 Mk.I)
Tornado ADV
MiG-29 Fulcrum
MiG-31 Foxhound
Su-27 Flanker-B(S, SK)
Su-30 Flanker-C(M, MK, MKK)
Su-33 Flanker-D
F-14 Tomcat
F-15 Eagle (A/B, C/D)
F-16 Fighting Falcon (A/B, C/D Block 40/42)
F-18 Hornet(A/B, C/D)
F-2A/B
CK-1
J-10A/S
J-11(J-11A)
JF-17
LCA Tejas

4+ Generation
Mirage 2000 (2000-5 Mk.II, 2000-9)
Rafale (F2, F3)
Typhoon (Tranche 2, Tranche 3A)
Gripen (A/B, C/D)
MiG-29SMT Fulcrum
MiG-29K Fulcrum-D
MiG-31BM Foxhound
Su-27 Flanker-B (SKM, SM)
Su-27M/Su-35 Flanker-E
Su-37 Flanker-F
Su-30 Flanker (M2, MK2, MK2V, MKV, MK3, MKI, MKM, MKA, SM)
Su-34 Fullback
F-14D Super Tomcat
F-15E Strike Eagle
F-16 Fighting Falcon (C/D Block 50/52, C/D Block 50/52+, Block 50/52+ I Sufa)


4++ Generation
Gripen NG
Rafale F3+
Typhoon Tranche 3B
MiG-35 Fulcrum
Su-27SM2 Flanker
Su-35S Flanker
Su-30MKI Super-30 Flanker
F-15C/D Eagle (AN/APG-63V(3))
F-15E/K Strike Eagle (AN/APG-82)
F-15SG Strike Gryphon
F-16E/F Block 60 Desert Falcon
F-18E/F Super Hornet
J-10B
J-11B/BS

4th Generation Fighters with 5th Generation Features
F-15SE Silent Eagle

 

[saumyasupratik]

F-20 Tigershark and Saab 37 Viggen will be regarded as 4th generation fighter or 3rd Generation fighter?