Fifth-generation fighter

Fifth-generation fighter
A Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II (top) and Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor (bottom), two fifth-generation fighters used by the United States Air Force
Role Fighter aircraft
Manufacturer
First flight 1990 (YF-23)
Introduction 2005 (F-22 Raptor)
Status In service
Developed from Fourth-generation fighter
Developed into Sixth-generation fighter

A fifth-generation fighter is a jet fighter aircraft classification which includes major technologies developed during the first part of the 21st century. As of 2024, these are the most advanced fighters in operation. The characteristics of a fifth-generation fighter are not universally agreed upon, and not every fifth-generation type necessarily has them all; however, they typically include stealth, low-probability-of-intercept radar (LPIR), agile airframes with supercruise performance, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the battlespace for situational awareness and C3 (command, control and communications) capabilities.[1]

As of January 2023, the combat-ready fifth-generation fighters are the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, which entered service with the United States Air Force (USAF) in December 2005; the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, which entered service with the United States Marine Corps (USMC) in July 2015;[2][3] the Chengdu J-20, which entered service with the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) in March 2017;[4] and the Sukhoi Su-57, which entered service with the Russian Air Force (VVS) on 25 December 2020.[5] Other national and international projects are in various stages of development.

  1. ^ Baker 2018, pp. 5, 46.
  2. ^ "5th Generation Fighters". Lockheed Martin. Archived from the original on 9 January 2010. Retrieved 15 April 2009.
  3. ^ "Marines Declare F-35B Operational, But Is It Really Ready For Combat?". Foxtrot Alpha. Archived from the original on 4 March 2018. Retrieved 4 March 2018.
  4. ^ Dominguez, Gabriel (2 February 2018). "PLAAF inducts J-20 into combat units". Jane's 360. Archived from the original on 2 December 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
  5. ^ "Первый серийный истребитель Су-57 поступил в авиаполк Южного военного округа". ТАСС (in Russian).