Top 10 Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft

The Fifth Generation Fighter is the current standard naming convention for “next-generation” fighter aircraft. It is a fighter aircraft classification used in the United States and elsewhere encompassing the most advanced jet fighter generation as of 2014. Fifth generation fighter aircraft are designed to incorporate numerous technological advances over the fourth generation jet fighter. The aircraft considered for the title features all-aspect stealth even when armed, Low Probability of Intercept Radar (LPIR), high-performance air frames, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within the theatre of war for situational awareness. The only currently combat-ready fifth-generation fighter, the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, entered service with the U.S. Air Force in 2005.

The top 10 fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft.

10. HAL AMCA – India

The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is a single-seat, twin-engine fifth-generation stealth multirole fighter being developed by India. It will complement the HAL Tejas, the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA, the Sukhoi Su-30MKI and the Dassault Rafale. Unofficial design work on the AMCA has been started. “The product design work of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft has been started by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and the vehicle is expected to be ready in 2019.” Dr Tamilmani, Director General (Aeronautical Systems) DRDO, Bangalore.

9. Shenyang J-31 (F-60) – China

The Shenyang J-31, rumored to be nicknamed “Gyrfalcon” or Falcon Hawk is a twin-engine, mid-size fifth-generation jet fighter currently under development by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation. The fighter has also been referred to as F-60 or J-21 Snowy Owl. The aircraft made its first flight on 31 October 2012. It was accompanied by two J-11 fighters in a ten-minute test flight with its landing gear lowered. With this, China became the second nation after the 1991 Advanced Tactical Fighter fly off, to have two stealth fighter designs in field-testing at the same time.

8. HAL Sukhoi PMF/FGFA – India & Russia

The Sukhoi/HAL Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft (FGFA) is a fifth-generation fighter being developed by India and Russia. It is a derivative project from the PAK FA (T-50) being developed for the Indian Air Force. FGFA was the earlier designation for the Indian version, while the combined project is now called the Perspective Multi-Role Fighter (PMF).

The completed PMF will include a total of 43 improvements over the T-50, including stealth, supercruise, advanced sensors, networking and combat avionics. The first aircraft is to begin testing in India in 2014, with introduction into service expected by 2022.

7. TAI TFX / F-X – Turkey

No longer content on purchasing foreign military goods, Turkey has undertaken programs that look to stock the southeastern power from within. TFX is a Fifth-generation jet fighter being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Turkey now joins the United States, Russia, China, Japan and South Korea as the handful of nations committed to the fifth Generation fighter process.

6. Mitsubishi ATD-X (Shinshin) – Japan

Joining several other notable world militaries, Japan is in the process of developing an indigenous 5th Generation Fighter concept under the ATD-X “Shinshin” designation. The Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin is a prototype fifth generation fighter aircraft that uses advanced stealth technology. It is being developed by the Japanese Ministry of Defense Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI) for research purposes.

The main contractor of the project is Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Many consider this aircraft to be Japan’s first domestically made stealth fighter. The aircraft’s first flight is scheduled for 2014.

5. KAI KF-X – South Korea

The Fifth Generation Fighter alongwith the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle is the current buzzword in the aviation defense industry. KF-X is a South Korean program to develop an advanced multirole fighter for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) and Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU), spearheaded by South Korea with Indonesia as the primary partner. It is South Korea’s second fighter development program following the FA-50.

The fifth generation fighter aircraft is a technological marvel, intended to surpass the capabilities of 4th generation mounts in wide circulation today through powerful tracking and engagement facilities, advanced avionics, high-end engine installations, agile performance, composite structures and inherent stealth features to help dominate the battlefield.

4. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II – USA

The Lockheed F-35 Lightning II is a fifth-generation fighter development of the United States that incorporates new and learned stealth technology and practices with advanced computer processing and system through a budget-friendly modular approach. This fifth generation fighter aircraft is under development to perform ground attack, reconnaissance, and air defense missions with stealth capability. The F-35 has three main models; the F-35A is a conventional takeoff and landing variant, the F-35B is a short take-off and vertical-landing variant, and the F-35C is a carrier-based variant.

3. Sukhoi PAK FA (T-50) – Russia

The Sukhoi PAK FA is a twin-engine jet fighter being developed by Sukhoi for the Russian Air Force. The Sukhoi T-50 is the prototype for PAK FA. The PAK FA is one of only a handful of stealth jet programs worldwide. The PAK FA, a fifth generation fighter aircraft, is intended to be the successor to the MiG-29 and Su-27 in the Russian inventory and serve as the basis of the Sukhoi/HAL FGFA being developed with India. The T-50 prototype performed its first flight 29 January 2010.

2. Chengdu J-20 (Black Eagle) – China

A single-seat, multirole stealth, twin-engine fighter aircraft, the Chengdu J-20 “Black Eagle” is manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group (CAIG) of China. It is a fifth generation fighter aircraft being built for the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The J-20 made its first flight on 11 January 2011. General He Weirong, Deputy Commander of the PLAAF said that he expected the J-20 to be operational in 2017–2019.

1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor – USA

The world’s premier fifth Generation fighter aircraft. The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is a single-seat, twin-engine supermaneuverable fighter aircraft that uses stealth technology. It was designed primarily as an air superiority fighter, but has additional capabilities that include ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence roles. Being America’s premier air-superiority fighter, the F-22 evolved from its original concept to become a lethal, survivable and flexible multimission fighter.

By taking advantage of emerging technologies, the F-22 has emerged as a superior platform for many diverse missions including intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance and electronic attack. The aircraft is operational today.