The Evolution of the Fighter Jet

Today’s fighter jets have come a long way from the early fighter jets of the 1940s. However, the innovative spirit and firepower found in all fighter jet generations remain the common threads—from the high subsonic conventional armaments to advanced stealth machines. Here is a brief look at the evolution of the fighter jet from our Las Vegas stunt plane pilots at Sky Combat Ace.

First Generation

During and soon after World War II, the earliest versions of fighter jets made their way onto the aviation scene. These planes are categorized as first-generation jet fighters and are recognizable for their straight, unswept wings and wood or light alloy frames. Generally, they do not use avionics, which are electronic systems for communication or navigation. Instead, controls and firepower were controlled manually.

Known for its incredible speed at the time, the Me 262 is recorded as the first fighter jet in operation. Other popular first-generation jet fighters include the Heinkel He 162 and Gloster Meteor, and Lockheed F-80, which were in service during the war. Although speeds had improved considerably, there was limited controllability in these jets.

Second Generation

Between 1950 and 1953, the Korean War brought on the need for more innovation. Weapons were hard to manage and utilize while traveling at such high speeds, so radars and homing missiles were used to improve accuracy and effectiveness. It also became apparent that combat pilots needed more battlefield support, so jet fighters were being adapted to a more multi-role position that would fill some of these needs. Examples of typical second-generation fighter jets are the Lockheed F-104 Starfighter, MiG-21, English Electric Lightning, and the French Dassault Mirage III.

Third Generation

Fighter jets of the third generation are categorized for their multi-role capability. Not only did they carry necessary weapons, but they were also able to engage in air-to-air interception and deploy missiles and bombs. New technology also evolved with pulse-doppler radar and off-site targeting avionics.

Turbofan engines and increased thrust helped pilots with maneuverability. However, these jets were still difficult to control at high speeds. The Sukhoi Su-17, McDonnell Douglas F04 Phantom, and General Dynamics F-111 fall into this category.

Fourth Generation

Fourth-generation fighter jets saw a huge push forward in technology and avionics. Characterized by their maneuverability, fly-by-wire, lighter composite materials, synthetic radar, and infrared capabilities, these jets were a vast improvement in aerodynamics and stealth. Some highlights of this jet fighter era include the General Dynamic F16 jet, Saab 37 Viggen, Harrier II and Sukhoi Su-27.

As advanced technologies evolved, later fourth-generation fighter jets saw even more innovations with early digital communication capabilities and pilot control. The Eurofighter Typhoon, Sukhoi 35, and Dassault Rafale jet paved the way for fifth-generation fighters that soon followed.

Fifth Generation

Digital computation and mobile networking define the fifth-generation fighter jets of the 1990s. These aircraft provided agility with smaller bodies that packed a technological punch without compromising on firepower. The sophisticated controls, command, and communications (C³) made for an unrivaled battlefield presence and performance.

At the same time that avionics technology was advancing, materials and electronics were playing a more significant role in the overall success of these jets. New pilot helmets, communication networks, sensors, subsidiary attack drones, and more powerful engines pushed the limits of what was thought possible in combat aviation. Prime examples of fifth-generation fighters are the Lockheed Martin F-22 and F-35, Sukhoi Su-57, Shenyang FC-31, and Chengdu J-20. These jets are currently in service today.

The Future of the Fighter Jet

The need for advancements in fighter aviation is constantly pushing forward to improve speed, performance, battlefield survivability, and pilot control. Several nations are putting resources towards developing the next generation of fighter jets, including the United States with the Air Force’s Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program, Germany with the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, the United Kingdom with their own program also by the name of the Future Combat Air System, and China, India, Taiwan, Japan, Russia, France, Spain, Sweden, and Italy with their respective projects.

Some things that may come into play with these new fighter jets are how unmanned technologies and remote controls can enhance performance. Stealth technology and advanced variable-cycle engines will also take current fighter jets to the next level when the research is done and implemented. What we do know is the most powerful and fastest jet in the world is still yet to come!

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