What is a nth Generation fighter?

On 14 Dec 2003 15:02:22 GMT, BUFDRVR wrote:
Could anyone tell me examples of 1st..5th? generation fighters and
other planes and what seperates them? (Apart from time)


Good question, and one I asked an intel officer shortly after becoming mission
qualified in the BUFF. Here's the way he layed it out:

1st Generation (early jet fighter) - MiG-15,17,19 or F-84, F-86

I'd say 1st was Me 262 or Meteor. MiG-15 or Sabre are 2nd IMO.

2nd Generation (early supersonic)- MiG-21 or Century Series

3rd Generation (advanced supersonic) - MiG-23 or F-4

I'd put the F-4 alongside the MiG-21 or Mirage IV.

4th Generation ("next generation") - MiG-25, 29, 31, Su-27 or F-14,15,16

I'd put MiG-29, Su-27, F-14,15,16 together. Dunno about MiG-25.

5th Generation (???) - MiG 1.42, Su-30 series or FA/22, F-35

F/A-22 (stupid name IMO, it should be F-22), F-35, Typhoon, Rafale,
later Flankers such as Su-30, Gripen.

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