Fighter Generations

[Super Falcon]

No fighter jet be a superior fighter jet forever F 22 in future too as it came for su 30. f16

 

[Myth_buster_1]

No fighter jet be a superior fighter jet forever F 22 in future too as it came for su 30. f16

huhhhhh? what did you just say?

 

[batmannow]

huhhhhh? what did you just say?

stealthly MiG 1.42

Having greater agility and range than the F-22 the aerodynamically superior MFI will have a top speed of Mach 2.6 versus Mach 1.7 for the F-22 Raptor, and the MFI will be able to cruise supersonically for a longer period. To reduce RCS it sports a heavy coating of RAM, S-shaped compressor channels, internal weapon storage, LO airframe geometry, and maybe an active radar cancellation system (RCS) or a plasma cloud stealth (PCS) system making it stealthier than the F-22 as MiG MAPO claims. Two three-dimensional thrust-vectoring Saturn/Lyulka AL-41F turbofans, capable of 44,100 lb of thrust in afterburner power the MiG 1.42. The key to the MiG-1.42 is its new Phazotron N-014 phased array fire control radar and rear-facing N-012 radar system operating in in air and ground modes simultaneously with ground mapping, search-and-track of moving targets, synthetic aperature radar and terrain avoidance it is capable of detecting any stealth aircraft without a special radar.


A Mach 2.8 MiG-31 Foxhound refitted with the newer R-77 (AA-12 'Adder') with its deadly SBI-16 Zaslon fixed phased array antenna radar, codenamed 'Flash Dance' by NATO, which is said to be the world's most powerful fighter radar would be able to target an F-22 200 km away.
Unlike the way the West thinks, the Russians know its speed and weapons delivery that make you the hunter killer. Combine that with the "ATFski" low-observable (LO) stealthly MiG 1.42 and you have a “Raptor Killer”.

 

[Manticore]

I was about to start a new thread, when i found an old relevant thread already made-- and decided to post some nice post i found by a person on another forum

qoute--

To give you a clue what it is all about, I'll start with what the 4th generation is.
What are the features usually linked to the 4th generation fighters?
There are several features attributed to that generation such as:
- emphasis on manoeuvrability rather than speed
- turbofan engines
- FBW controls
- glass cockpit
- digital avionics
- multirole capability

Note that this list is generic and not meant to be complete.

Now let's check which aircraft are counted into that generation (limiting it to US and Russian platforms for illustration purposes)
US side: F-14 (maybe debatable), F-15, F-16, F/A-18
Russian side: MiG-29, MiG-31, Su-27

Now let's check how these aircraft match the criteria:
F-14: Manoeuvrability: yes, turbofans: yes, lesser emphasis on speed: no, FBW: no, glass cockpit: no, digital avionics: no (perhaps limited, but still mostly analogue systems), multirole: no

F-15: Manoeuvrability: yes, turbofans: yes, lesser emphasis on speed: no, FBW: yes with mechanical back-up, glass cockpit: no, digital avionics: no (perhaps limited, but still a lot of analogue systems), multirole: no

F-16: Manoeuvrability: yes, turbofans: yes, lesser emphasis on speed: yes, FBW yes full analogue, glass cockpit: no, digital avionics: yes, multirole: limited

F/A-18: Manoeuvrability: yes, turbofans: yes, lesser emphasis on speed: yes, FBW yes full digital, glass cockpit: yes, digital avionics: yes, multirole: yes

MiG-29: Manoeuvrability: yes, turbofans: yes, lesser emphasis on speed: no, FBW: no, glass cockpit: no, digital avionics: yes, multirole: no

MiG-31: Manoeuvrability: no, turbofans: yes, lesser emphasis on speed: no, FBW: no, glass cockpit: no, digital avionics: yes, multirole: no

Su-27: Manoeuvrability: yes, turbofans: yes, lesser emphasis on speed: no, FBW: yes with mechanical suüpport, glass cockpit: no, digital avionics: yes, multirole: no

What can we conclude from that?
Except for the F/A-18 neither type met all criteria a the time they entered service. Are they classified as 4th generation nonetheless? Yes they are!!!

What does it tell us?
It tells us that the features linked to a generation are either "first introduced in that generation" or that it is a typical feature of that generation which can be found on many, but not necessarily all examples.

If we now take the Russian view into account we could state that typical features for Russian 4th generation fighters also include: IRST/LRF, HMS, datalink, HOBS missiles. If we would include that into the general list virtually all US teens would fail in these criteria, with the exception of DLs which were fitted the the F-14 for example.

Conclusion: That an aircraft doesn't feature everything linked to a certain generation or that a certain technology/capability doesn't exactly match that of another aircraft of this generation doesn't mean that it doesn't belong to it! In reality the definition of jet fighter generations is just a loosely list of attributes which is basically formed with the first member of that generation and which is completed with the last! Furthermore what is typical for members of a generation in one nation, isn't necessarily typical in another (see HMS Russian 4th gen for example...).





Let us move to the 5th generation now!
What are the attributes usually linked to the 5th generation?
- extreme agility/super manoeuvrability
- supercruise
- integrated avionics
- AESA radar
- NCW
- sensor fusion
- Stealth with fighter like performance

Note as above this list is not meant to be complete.

Now what aircraft are considered as 5th generation?
F-22, F-35, T-50

F-22: extreme agility/super manoeuvrability: yes, supercruise: yes, integrated avionics: yes, AESA radar: yes, NCW: yes, sensor fusion: yes, Stealth: yes VLO

F-35: extreme agility/super manoeuvrability: no, supercruise: no, integrated avionics: yes, AESA radar: yes, NCW: yes, sensor fusion: yes, Stealth: yes VLO

T-50: extreme agility/super manoeuvrability: yes, supercruise: yes, integraed avionics: yes, AESA radar: yes, NCW: yes, sensor fusion: yes, Stealth: yes LO

Conclusion: As in the 4th generation example not every aircraft meets all criteria and the level can differ, does it mean we must exclude any of them? Only in the circle of the above mentioned people. Applying the same standards as before (4th gen and earlier) the T-50 perfectly fits the 5th generation. You may want to check out LMs "5th generation" features list and you'll realised that the exact level is nowhere defined at all. It's a listing of what are typical attributes and/or attributes first introduced with that generation.

 

[Manticore]

Here's how SAAB separate the generations.

1st generation Includes early jet driven warplanes, such as the Vampire, MiG-15, F-86 and the J29.

2nd generation are jet fighter aircraft were weapons integration and avionic systems was being introduced. This generation involves the MiG-21, F-5 Freedom Fighter, F-4 Phantom, 32 Lansen and J35 Draken

3rd generation are supersonic fighter aircraft with an infrastructure based on separate digital systems, who takes great advantage of computers to achieve functionality. Aircrafts included in this generation are for example the MiG-29, Su-27, F-15, F-16, F-18, Mirage 2000 and the Viggen.

4th generation are supersonic aircrafts with a digitally constructed infrastructure, with fully integrated computerized systems, which uses a common computerbase with a standardized interface. This means that sensors, weapons, control surfaces, control organs, displays and so on can be used as information suppliers and information carriers; offering in theory an infinite number of combinations in which to create the systemfunctions desired. The only limit are the laws of physics and the human being. Included in this generation are, the F-22, F-35, the Rafale, the Eurofighter and the Gripen. The principle structure creates a very high development potential, and has the ability to fully take advantage of future advancements in sensors, weapons and computers and so on. The 4th gen fighter remains young over time. New system functions can be created when there is a need for it, depending on the tactical demands, and the technical development.




The above is typical examples for the differences in the definition of jet fighter generations in Europe and the US/Russia.




In Europe aircraft like the F-16 or MiG-29 are classed as 3rd generation, while the same aircraft are classed a 4th generation in the US/Russia. Therefore their successors must belong to the 4th generation in Europe, but 5th generation in the US/Russia. That is the reason why Europeans refer the 4th generation to aircraft like Gripen, Rafale or Eurofighter. That means a European 4th is a US 5th!!!




Actually China uses similiar naming system as European, hence the newest developing model is 4th in Chinese naming system (but 5th in USA labeling system.) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 203.186.243.42 (talk) 01:54, 16 March 2010 (UTC)

Well it isn't that simple is it? That's the problem. It isn't just about chronological succession and it doesn't imply superiority (in one, or many or all) ways, but is used in marketing. The article needs to reflect the subjectivity of these measures, and the way in which they often reflect a categorisation of threats to what the categorising party possesses and thinks it can counter or otherwise, not an objective set of measures that cannot moreover become outmoded in time. Princeofdelft (talk) 20:50, 15 October 2010 (UTC)

Talk:Fourth generation jet fighter - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Fighter aircraft - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

4.5 generation fighters

The primary characteristics of this sub-generation are the application of advanced digital avionics and aerospace materials, modest signature reduction (primarily RF "stealth"), and highly integrated systems and weapons. These fighters have been designed to operate in a "network-centric" battlefield environment and are principally multirole aircraft. Key weapons technologies introduced include beyond-visual-range (BVR) AAMs; Global Positioning System (GPS)-guided weapons, solid-state phased-array radars; helmet-mounted sights; and improved secure, jamming-resistant datalinks. Thrust vectoring to further improve transient maneuvering capabilities have also been adopted by many 4.5th generation fighters, and uprated powerplants have enabled some designs to achieve a degree of "supercruise" ability. Stealth characteristics are focused primarily on frontal-aspect radar cross section (RCS) signature-reduction techniques including radar-absorbent materials (RAM), L-O coatings and limited shaping techniques.

"Half-generation" designs are either based on existing airframes or are based on new airframes following similar design theory as previous iterations; however, these modifications have introduced the structural use of composite materials to reduce weight, greater fuel fractions to increase range, and signature reduction treatments to achieve lower RCS compared to their predecessors. Prime examples of such aircraft, which are based on new airframe designs making extensive use of carbon-fibre composites, include the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, and Saab JAS 39 Gripen.
Boeing F/A-18E Super Hornet

Apart from these fighter jets, most of the 4.5 generation aircraft are actually modified variants of existing airframes from the earlier fourth generation fighter jets
Fighter aircraft - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Manticore]

Fighter Aircraft Generations: A Reference...

When referring to modern fighter aircraft the term "5th Generation" seems to be carelessly thrown about here in discussion forums and other military aviation websites.

So what constitutes a 5th Generation fighter? To answer this question I checked sources such as the Rand Corporation, our good and knowledgeable friends at Aerospaceweb.Org as well as various political and industry publications. It is from these sources that I have compiled a generational listing of fighters and the attributes that categorize them.


1st GENERATION: 1945-1955
The generational system for figher aircraft seems to start with post-WWII fighters.
These are typically subsonic jet aircraft with similar abilities to their piston engined counterparts, they also had similar limitations, such as a lack of radar, and WWII vintage weaponry such as dumb bombs and belt-fed machine guns.
Aircraft seen in dogfights over the skies of the Korean War typify this generation. Aircraft such as the MiG-15, MiG-17, F-86 Sabre, as well as the de Havilland Vampire, Supermarine Attacker, Saab Lansen and Dasault Ouragan.



2nd GENERATION: 1955-1960
According to the Rand Corporation the 2nd generation of fighter aircraft had performance goals in such categories as supersonic speed, ceiling and rate of climb. In addition the technology driving the second generation centered around aerodynamics, propulsion and building materials. New technology advances also enabled this generation to incorporate radar and missiles into their list of assets.
Aircraft typical of this generation are the F-104 Starfighter, F-105 Thunderchief, F-106 Delta Dart, Dassault Mirage III, Saab Draken, MiG-19 & the MiG-21.


3rd GENERATION: 1960-1970
The 3rd generation is marked by technological refinements with a push toward improved maneuverability, multi-role capabilities (carrying out both air to air and ground attack).
Continued improvements in propulsion such as more reliable jet engines with increased thrust and the beginnings of large advances in avionics and weapons systems.
Fighter aircraft that flew in the Vietnam War are included in this group - the 3rd generation includes the F-4 Phantom, Northrop F-5, MiG-23, MiG-25, Sukhoi Su-15, Dassault Mirage F1 and the Dassault Super Etendard.


4th GENERATION: 1970-1990
The 4th generation includes notably more sophisticated avionics and weaponry brought on by advances in computers and system integration. Increased agility and flexibility in mission roles is also a typical attribute of the 4th gen. Examples of the 4th generation are the F-14, F-15, F-16, F-18, AV8 Harrier, MiG-29, MiG-31, Sukhoi Su-27, Panavia Tornado, Dassault Mirage 2000 and the Saab Viggen.


4.5 GENERATION: 1990-2000
The 4.5 generation is typified by many of the same attributes as the 4th generation aircraft except that they incorporate advanced technology that could be interpreted as that for the 5th generation. Dominant performance and technology goals for 4.5 is reduced radar cross section through advanced airframe shaping and radar absorbant materials being used in the construction. Highly advanced avionics are also a prerequisite for this category. The 4.5 generation includes F-18 Super Hornet, Sukhoi Su-33, Sukhoi Su-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Grippen and the Dassault Raphale. (it bears acknowledgement that Aerospaceweb says that the Typhoon and the Raphale are arguably somewhere between 4.5 and 5th generation.)


5th GENERATION: 2000-
The attributes that characterize the 5th generation of fighter aircraft include highly advanced avionics and stealthy sensory suites giving the pilot a comprehensive view of the entire battlespace. Also characterizing 5th gen is a combination of stealthy design and efficient supersonic speeds.
Aircraft that stand as examples of 5th generation fighters are the F-22 Raptor, the not yet operational F-35, and possibly the MiG MFI and Sukhoi Su-47, should either of them ever see production.


Sources:
Aerospaceweb.Org
Rand Corporation
"Jet Fighter Development", Hallion (1990)

 

[Manticore]

 

[Superboy]

J-10B is 4.5 gen. Actually, other than JF-17 and J-10B, no other operational plane has DSI

 

[SrNair]

J-10B is 4.5 gen. Actually, other than JF-17 and J-10B, no other operational plane has DSI

So America is not a superpower.


On topic:F 35 is very limited.Not on par with FGFA or F22.
I am curious what would the sixth generation capabilities.