Different authorities and organizations have classified fighter aircraft into different generations. These generation names are often based in technological leaps. But, this definition is much more subjective than it might seem. There are different generational boundaries, and it is not uncommon for aircraft to have both characteristics of each generation.
Gen 1 was the first classification for early jet fighters. The Meteor, the first generation of fighter jets, was in service during World War II. Hawker Hunter, McDonnell F2H Banshees, the Folland Gnat and McDonnell FH Phantom are other examples of this generation's jets. They are faster than their predecessors with piston engines.
Next-generation fighter aircraft were built with multi-role capabilities in mind. They could carry multiple armaments like laser-guided Bombs and pulse-doppler Radar. 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.
The next generation fighters were also expected to have radars that could be used to shoot down enemy aircraft. They were also expected to be faster and turn tighter than the first generation aircraft. They will also carry laser-guided weapons and terrain-warning devices. 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 designed with thinner control surfaces and swept-back wings. They could also fly high-G. They could also be equipped with nuclear-tipped air to-air missiles. Their engines could reach Mach 2 speeds. The F-86 Sabre in the USA and F-86 Sabre in North America were both remarkable fighters of their time.
Fifth-generation fighters feature all-aspect defense, active electronically scanned array radars, internal precision weapons carriage, and internal stealth. They can also be used for air-to–ground missions. These aircraft are equipped with sixth generation gas-turbine engine, which has more power than its predecessors. They can sustain high-G flight, and maintain low 70 knots angles of attack.
The fifth generation of fighters includes advanced integrated Avionics Systems, including data Fusion. These systems enable the aircraft to communicate with many sensors and drones. The F-35, which is the world's most advanced data-fusion platform, is an important weapon in today's combat arsenal. It also has super-cruise capabilities, making it one of the most advanced fifth-generation fighters.
They are well-known for their high performance and high thrust/weight ratio. They can maintain high-G flight over extended periods of time, and can also perform air-to–air or air-to–ground missions. They can also perform air-to-ground strafing operations. 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.
Today's fifth generation fighters are far more advanced than their predecessors. The F-22 Raptor is currently the only fifth-generation fighter in service. It was the first aircraft of this type to be built. However, it is not the most advanced fighter currently in service. The F-35 Lightning II will join the 5th-generation fighter group when it becomes operational in a few decades.