Development History of 5 Generations Fighter Aircraft of US Military | Military History |

Development History of 5 Generations Fighter Aircraft of US Military | Military History |
Since the end of World War II, fighter aircraft have gone through five generations of development, each generation has its own technological characteristics.
The US, Russia and China are participating in the race to create the world's most formidable 5th generation fighter. The race for this generation of fighters began at the end of World War II, when the world's first jet fighter was born, quickly replacing all previous propeller aircraft.
1st generation fighters include the first fighter models equipped with jet engines, capable of flying at subsonic speeds (below 1,230 km/h).
The highlight of the first generation fighter is the jet engine, which helped it gain superior speed compared to all aircraft using piston engines at that time.

However, due to technological limitations in the early stages of development, they can only reach maximum speed at the subsonic threshold, unable to overcome the sound wall. The world's first jet fighter was the Messerschmitt Me-262 model made by Nazi Germany, first tested on July 18, 1942. This is considered the opening moment for the era of jet fighters. There were about 1,430 Me-262s produced by Nazi engineers, but they did not change the outcome of World War II.

The 1st generation fighter also applies many new inventions, typically an escape ejection seat, air brake, power combustion mode, specialized tracking radar, and some early versions of air-to-air missiles that use warheads. Infrared detection and radar guidance.

Although the Me-262 ushered in the jet age, it was the Soviet MiG-15 and the American F-86 Saber that established the position of jet fighters over propeller aircraft.

Fierce dogfights over North Korea from 1950 to 1953 put an end to propeller aircraft, when the MiG-15 and F-86 faced each other in the world's first jet dogfight. .

2nd generation fighter (1950-1960)

The rapid development of technology since the 1950s and real combat experiences drawn from the Korean War helped engineers overcome the disadvantages of first generation fighters, giving birth to new generation fighters. System 2 has superior mobility, independent combat capability and increased weapon range.
The 2nd generation fighter excels in its ability to break the sound wall (speed over 1,240 km/h), begins to be equipped with air-to-air radar, and uses air-to-air missiles as its main weapon.
Advanced electronic technology creates radars small enough to be integrated into fighters, allowing pilots to identify targets from afar, reducing dependence on radar and ground navigation systems.

For 2nd generation fighters, aviation artillery is considered obsolete and is replaced by the main weapon being air-to-air missiles. Missiles using infrared (IR) probes have become popular, but are still rudimentary and ineffective. The two most prominent missile lines are the American AIM-9 Sidewinder and the Soviet-made K-13 (AA-2 Atoll).

Radar-guided missiles also appear but are not stable. Missile technology promises to open up new directions of development, focusing on combat beyond visual range (BVR) and with a lot of resources invested.

The prospect of World War III with the participation of mechanized forces and nuclear weapons leads to two different directions for 2nd generation fighters.

The first is a line of pure interceptor fighters such as the British Electric Lightning or the Soviet Union's MiG-21F. They have a quick response mission, can take off in a short time to intercept enemy bomber squadrons carrying nuclear weapons. Both are equipped with missiles as their main weapon, which helps destroy more targets than aviation artillery.

The second direction is fighter bombers, typically the American F-105 Thunderchief and the Soviet Su-7B. This type of aircraft is capable of flying low at high speed, aiming to carry out powerful air strikes on enemy ground forces. They can also confront fighters without needing a powerful escort force.
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