The talk on “Modernisation and Technological advancement in IAF” at the annual Festival (Technovanza) of VJTI was followed by a Q & A session. The talk was for half an hour but the Q & A session went on for one hour. It was interesting to interact with the young college students. The students were very well informed, which was evident from the insightful and precise question asked by them. Overall it was an enjoyable experience.
63: FIFTH GENERATION AIRCRAFT
Categorization of fighter jets in generations is a classification system used around the world. The basic classification into five generations is widely accepted and recognized. Some accounts have subdivided the 4th generation into 4 and 4.5, or 4+ and 4++.
Fifth generation jet fighters (2005 to date)
A fifth generation fighters include major technologies developed during the first part of the 21st century providing them a quantum improvement in their lethality and survivability. The characteristics of fifth-generation fighters are not universally agreed but as on date these are the most advanced fighters in operation.
The technologies that best epitomize fifth generation fighters are advanced integrated avionics systems that provide the pilot with a complete picture of the battle space and the use of low observable “stealth” techniques. They typically include agile airframes with super cruise performance, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the battle space for situation awareness and C3 (command, control and communications) capabilities.
Improved situational awareness is achieved through multi-spectral sensors located across all aspects of the airframe which allows the pilot to ‘look’ through the airframe of the aircraft without having to manoeuvre the fighter to obtain a 360 degree picture.
These aircraft also have capability of operating in networked environment which allows them to receive, share and store information to enhance the battle space picture. Fifth generation fighter capabilities are largely defined by their software and it will be the ongoing development of their software that will ensure they maintain their edge against evolving threats.
Ffth generation aircraft allows the pilot to maintain decision superiority over an adversary. This provides greater chances of survivability, which when combined with effective lethality, assures battle space dominance.
According to available sources, fighters in this generation include the following:-
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-35
Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA / Sukhoi Su-57
J- 20 (Claimed on Paper)
Coming Up: Generation wise description (6th generation)
References:
https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/top-sixth-generation-fighter-jets/
https://www.sldinfo.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Air-Combat-Seminar-summary-AndrewMcL.pdf
https://www.fighterworld.com.au/az-of-fighter-aircraft/five-generations-of-jets
http://www.codeonemagazine.com/archives/2005/articles/oct_05/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth_generation_fighter
https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/top-sixth-generation-fighter-jets/?utm_source=Army%20Technology&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=Must%20Read&utm_content=Image
https://migflug.com/jetflights/fighter-jet-generations/
http://www.aerospaceweb.org/question/history/q0182.shtml
Comments and value additions are most welcome
61: FOUR AND A HALF GENERATION AIRCRAFT
Categorization of fighter jets in generations is a classification system used around the world. The basic classification into five generations is widely accepted and recognized. Some accounts have subdivided the 4th generation into 4 and 4.5, or 4+ and 4++.
Four and half generation jet fighters (late 1980s and into the 90s)
The concept of having a half generation increment stemmed from a forced reduction in military spending at the end of the Cold War.
It became more cost-effective to add new improved features to existing platforms. Later variants of 4th gen aircraft progressively enhanced their characteristic technologies and incorporated some of the emerging fifth generation technologies (such as high-capacity digital communications), leading them to be classified as an intermediate generation (4.5 or 4+ or 4++).
So 4.5 generation aircraft are basically fourth generation fighters with basic characteristics of fourth generation planes but with enhanced capabilities provided by more advanced technologies that might be seen in fifth generation fighters. Many of these types are in frontline service in 2021.
These aircraft have advanced digital avionics based on microchip technology and highly integrated systems. They are adapted to operate in high-tech warfare where not only avionic but also super manoeuvrability are the key to success.
Their features include stealth, radar absorbent materials, thrust vector controlled engines, greater weapons carriage capacity and extended range and endurance.
The addition of an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar is a significant enough game-changing feature. The AESA radar allows fighter aircraft to perform a limited Airborne Early Warning and Control function.
Advances in computer technology and data links also allow these fighter aircraft to be integrated into a network centric battle space where fighter aircraft have much greater scope to conduct multi-role missions.
According to available sources, fighters in this generation include the following:-
Boeing F-18E/F Super Hornet
Sukhoi Su-30
Sukhoi Su-33
Sukhoi Su-35
Eurofighter Typhoon
Saab Gripen
Dassault Rafale
Coming Up: Generation wise description (5th and 6th generation)
References:
https://www.airforce-technology.com/features/top-sixth-generation-fighter-jets/