Various organizations and authorities have categorized fighter aircraft into generations. These designations of generation are typically based upon technological leaps. However, the definition is more subjective than it may appear. It is common for aircraft to exhibit both characteristics from each generation.
Gen 1 was the designation given to the earliest jet fighters. The Meteor, the first generation of fighter jets, was in service during World War II. The McDonnell F2H Banshee and McDonnell FH Phantom were also among the other jets from this generation. They are faster than their predecessors with piston engines.
The next generation fighter aircraft was designed to be multi-role. They would be equipped with a range of armaments including laser-guided bombs, pulse-doppler radar and other types of weapons. They are also expected to be maneuverable and capable of traveling longer distances. Radars that could fire beyond visible range were also expected. Interception was possible air-to-air.
Next generation fighters would also be expected to have radars capable of shooting down enemy aircraft. They would also be expected to turn faster than the first generation aircraft and have tighter turns. In addition, they would carry laser-guided bombs and have terrain-warning systems. They would be equipped with radars that can fire at targets far beyond visual range. In addition, they would be capable to fly in shallow water to attain supercruise.
Fourth-generation fighters were built with thinner control surfaces. They also had swept-back wings. They were also capable of high-G flight. They could also carry nuclear-tipped missiles air-to-air. Their engines could travel at speeds exceeding Mach 2. The F-86 Sabre in the USA and F-86 Sabre in North America were both remarkable fighters of their time.
Fifth generation fighters are distinguished by all-aspect stealth and active electronically scanned radars. They also have internal carriage of precision weapons. They can also perform air-to-ground operations. These aircraft also come with sixth-generation, gas-turbine engines. They have more power than their predecessors. They can fly high-G and reach speeds of 70 knots at angles.
The fifth generation of fighters is also equipped with advanced integrated avionics systems, including data fusion. These advanced systems allow the aircraft communicate with a wide range of sensors and drones. The F-35's data fusion capabilities are among the best in combat. It also has super-cruise capabilities, making it one of the most advanced fifth-generation fighters.
They are known for their exceptional performance and high thrust to weight ratio. They are capable of sustaining high-G flight for long periods and can carry out air-to air and ground missions. They are also capable in air-to–ground strafing. Finally, they are equipped with advanced integrated avionics, low observable stealth techniques, and integrated air-to ground weapon systems. They can be used to connect other assets on the battlefield.
The fifth generation fighters of today have more capabilities than their predecessors. The F-22 Raptor, which was the first of these aircraft to be built, is the only fifth generation fighter currently in service. It is not the best-equipped fighter but it does have its advantages. When it becomes operational, the F-35 Lightning II will be joining the 5th generation fighter club.