Fighters are the backbone of any air force. They are capable of protecting a nation’s airspace and carrying out missions to attack and destroy various objects in the air and on the ground. They must be fast, stealthy, and able to carry a large payload and deliver precise strikes. Thus, the fighter must be incredibly advanced to be of any use on the modern battlefield.
Fighter jets are among the elite military aircraft whose purpose is to destroy the enemy’s aerial targets. Aircraft of this type are used to establish air superiority over enemy aircraft. Fighters can escort civilians, transport planes and bombers, and protect ground targets. Let’s look at the most advanced fighters in the world.
What are 4th and 5th generation fighters?
Most fighters in today’s advanced armies are of the 4th generation. They are maneuverable, equipped with modern radars, and extremely adaptable. In turn, 5th generation fighters are the latest and most advanced machines. Not only do they have stealth characteristics, but they are also equipped with the latest avionics, data channels, and sensors.
But the latest equipment has a corresponding price. Therefore, for many countries, it is much more profitable to upgrade their 4th generation fighters with 5th generation electronics instead of buying and building new aircraft. Upgraded 4th generation fighters are also called 4+ or 4.5 generation fighters.
F-35 Lightning II
American fighter-bomber, mass-produced in 3 variants: a ground plane with a conventional takeoff and landing, a model with a short takeoff and vertical landing, and a deck fighter. Structurally they are 70-90% the same.
It can carry air-to-air missiles, cruise and anti-tank missiles, guided and cluster bombs as well as guided aerial bombs. The F-35 Lightning II is capable of firing bombs and missiles at maximum speed. Used not only in the U.S. but also in England and Australia, Israel, Japan, Holland, Italy, and Norway.
Sukhoi Su-57
The Sukhoi Su-57 “Felon” is the first Russian stealth aircraft. Its development has been slowed by numerous problems and delays. By early 2022, only a small number of production prototypes exist. But they are vastly superior to the early prototypes, and Russia continues to upgrade the aircraft.
The Su-57 was due to receive a new engine and several other improvements in the coming years, which would greatly improve the concept of the Su-27. However, after a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, Russia won’t be able to quickly set up production of its latest fighters because of sanctions. This is because most of the components were foreign-made.
Eurofighter Typhoon
It is a unique model in its own way, produced by the European Aviation Consortium in 4 variants, contractors produce parts not only for their aircraft but also for all others. It is serially produced (about 500 pieces were produced), and it is in service in 9 countries. “Eurofighter Typhoon” is a 4th generation multipurpose aircraft.
The design uses advanced achievements in aviation engineering, for example, a digital electric remote control system, which controls the flight and is combined with the engine management system. The system makes the fighter stable and agile. The Eurofighter Typhoon has been used in almost all NATO operations.
F-22 Raptor
F-22 “Raptor” is a 5th-generation multi-role fighter. Its mission is to fight enemy aviation, and cover troops, and facilities of the rear against air strikes. It must counteract air reconnaissance around the clock, in normal and difficult weather conditions.
The aircraft features enhanced survivability due to reduced visibility (Stealth technology). Weapons are placed in internal compartments, which also allows for achieving the same goal. However, the ammunition can also be mounted on external suspensions. This reduces low visibility but increases the versatility of the aircraft.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
Multifunctional American light fighter of the latest generation. Because of its versatility and relatively low production costs and ease of maintenance, it is considered the most mass-produced aircraft of this type. By the middle of 2018, 4,604 units were produced.
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is in service in 25 countries. By 2019, the F-16 had become the leader in terms of prevalence among pain aircraft. The upgraded model is still being produced for export to other countries, notably Slovakia, Bulgaria, and Bahrain.
This is the first model of the aircraft designed to perform maneuvers at 9 g and fly at supersonic speeds. Some innovations were applied in the design.
