What generation fighter is the f4?
The United States defines 4.5-generation fighter aircraft as fourth-generation jet fighters that have been upgraded with AESA radar, high-capacity data-link, enhanced avionics, and “the ability to deploy current and reasonably foreseeable advanced armaments”.
Which generation is Dassault Rafale?
The Rafale is also equipped with a wide range of sensors, which Dassault describes as being smart and discrete. First and foremost, the aircraft has the one thing that is an absolute must for any 4.5 generation combat jet, an Active Electronically Scanned Array, or AESA, radar.
What Gen is the f18?
The term is used for those aircraft designs bridging the gap between the developments of the 1960s and 1970s and those appearing today under the Fifth Generation Fighter classification. Fourth Generation Fighter types incude the American F-16 Fighting Falcon, the F/A-18 Hornet, the Chengdu J-10 and the MiG-29 Fulcrum.
Is a sixth-generation fighter jet in the Air Force’s future?
A futuristic look at a sixth-generation fighter jet, from the Air Force Research Lab. Credit: AFRL. While many envision a futuristic manned fighter as a successor to today’s fifth-generation platforms, Roper has said the NGAD program could include fighters and autonomous drones fighting side-by-side, the report said.
What makes the fifth generation fighter so special?
The fifth generation fighter features all-aspect stealth and full-sensor fusion. (USAF photo) Pulse weapons could also fry an enemy aircraft’s systems—or those of a ground target. Based on what “we have seen and we make at Northrop Grumman,” Meyer said, “in the next 20 years … that type of technology is going to be available.”
Is there a ‘black’ sixth generation fighter program waiting in the wings?
The Air Force has a large classified budget, but it seems there is no “black” sixth generation fighter program waiting in the wings. A senior industry official, with long-term, intimate knowledge of classified efforts, said the F-22 wasn’t stopped at 187 aircraft because a secret, better fighter is nearly ready to be deployed.
How long will it take to build a next generation fighter?
Industry leaders believe that it will probably take another 20 years to field a next generation fighter. That may be late to need. By 2030, according to internal USAF analyses, the service could be as many as 971 aircraft short of its minimum required inventory of 2,250 fighters.