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Fifth generation airpower is more than just the aeroplane. lockheed martin
Interdependent
Understanding fifth generation air power
Fighters are commonly defined by their “generation”. While categorisations can be disputed, representative types include: for the first generation, the F-86 and MiG-15; for the second, the Mirage III and MiG-21; third, the F-4 and MiG-25; fourth, the F-15 and MiG-29; and fifth, the F-22, F-35 and PAK FA.
Improvements from the first to the fourth generation tended to be incremental – each new generation’s types might have one or a number of better avionics and weapons systems, improved airframes and engines, superior manoeuvring performance, and so on. The fifth generation, however, has broken that linear progression. Characteristics such as all-aspect stealth, advanced sensors and avionics, sensor fusion, and comprehensive networking are said to confer a quantum leap in pilot situational awareness and, therefore, in combat capability.
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