About the fighter jet generation designations_Please help!

[PLA2025]

We all know that the latest generation of combat aircrafts is the 5th including the F/A-22 Raptor, YF-23 Black Widow II, F-35 JSF, and some future projects like the Pak-Fa and the J-XX. 4th generation jets are the EF Typhoon, Rafale, Su-35/37 and F/A-Super Hornet etc.
But there are planes like the F-16, Mirage2000 or the J-10 which are sometimes considered as generation 3rd, 3.5 or 4th!
I want an answer from an expert who can tell me what a combat plane needs to become designated to a specific generation and what were the 1st, 2nd generation jets?
My guess is that planes like the Zeros or P-51 Mustangs are 1st generation war planes, while the Sabres and MiG-17 are 2nd generations while the MiG-21 and F-4 entered the 3rd generation with the F-14 and F-15 being the last US 3rd generation jets.
It would be very nice if someone here can give an expert description of how to put a jet into a generation's class. Thanx a lot!

 

[PLA2025]

No experts here? come on guys!

 

[Red aRRow]

Ok I am copy pasting this from another forum:
This isn't the final word in aircraft generations however it should be satisfying for now. We can continue discussion based on this reference and sort out the details.


1st GENERATION: 1945-1955
The generational system for figher aircraft seems to start with post-WWII fighters.
These are typically subsonic jet aircraft with similar abilities to their piston engined counterparts, they also had similar limitations, such as a lack of radar, and WWII vintage weaponry such as dumb bombs and belt-fed machine guns.
Aircraft seen in dogfights over the skies of the Korean War typify this generation. Aircraft such as the MiG-15, MiG-17, F-86 Sabre, as well as the de Havilland Vampire, Supermarine Attacker, Saab Lansen and Dasault Ouragan.


2nd GENERATION: 1955-1960
According to the Rand Corporation the 2nd generation of fighter aircraft had performance goals in such categories as supersonic speed, ceiling and rate of climb. In addition the technology driving the second generation centered around aerodynamics, propulsion and building materials. New technology advances also enabled this generation to incorporate radar and missiles into their list of assets.
Aircraft typical of this generation are the F-104 Starfighter, F-105 Thunderchief, F-106 Delta Dart, Dassault Mirage III, Saab Draken, MiG-19 & the MiG-21.


3rd GENERATION: 1960-1970
The 3rd generation is marked by technological refinements with a push toward improved maneuverability, multi-role capabilities (carrying out both air to air and ground attack).
Continued improvements in propulsion such as more reliable jet engines with increased thrust and the beginnings of large advances in avionics and weapons systems.
Fighter aircraft that flew in the Vietnam War are included in this group - the 3rd generation includes the F-4 Phantom, Northrop F-5, MiG-23, MiG-25, Sukhoi Su-15, Dassault Mirage F1 and the Dassault Super Etendard.


4th GENERATION: 1970-1990
The 4th generation includes notably more sophisticated avionics and weaponry brought on by advances in computers and system integration. Increased agility and flexibility in mission roles is also a typical attribute of the 4th gen. Examples of the 4th generation are the F-14, F-15, F-16, F-18, AV8 Harrier, MiG-29, MiG-31, Sukhoi Su-27, Panavia Tornado, Dassault Mirage 2000, CAC JF-17 Thunder and the Saab Viggen.


4.5 GENERATION: 1990-2000
The 4.5 generation is typified by many of the same attributes as the 4th generation aircraft except that they incorporate advanced technology that could be interpreted as that for the 5th generation. Dominant performance and technology goals for 4.5 is reduced radar cross section through advanced airframe shaping and radar absorbant materials being used in the construction. Highly advanced avionics are also a prerequisite for this category. The 4.5 generation includes F-18 Super Hornet, Sukhoi Su-33, Sukhoi Su-35, Eurofighter Typhoon, Saab Grippen, CAC J-10 and the Dassault Raphale. (it bears acknowledgement that Aerospaceweb says that the Typhoon and the Raphale are arguably somewhere between 4.5 and 5th generation.)


5th GENERATION: 2000-
The attributes that characterize the 5th generation of fighter aircraft include highly advanced avionics and stealthy sensory suites giving the pilot a comprehensive view of the entire battlespace. Also characterizing 5th gen is a combination of stealthy design and efficient supersonic speeds.
Aircraft that stand as examples of 5th generation fighters are the F-22 Raptor, the not yet operational F-35, and possibly the MiG MFI and Sukhoi Su-47, should either of them ever see production.

Now let the discussion begin. :gun

 

[PLA2025]

thanx a lot for the detailed reply man!
My thoughts was that the F-14 and F-15 in their basic variants were 3rd generation jets because they still had analog control sticks and most systems were still mechanical parts not electronical. I personally think that the YF-16 (later F-16) was the very first one of the 4th generation since it was a totally new concept and the role of computers on board began to rise. Later F-15s or Flankers like the F-15E Strike Eagle and Su-35 Super Flanker are definetly among the 4th generation jets since they were completely upgraded in their electronics with improved combat radars etc. while partly being aupgraded in the airframe.
But I might be wrong since there are reports around about 3.5 and 4.5 generation jets designations which makes it even more confusing

 

[aaaditya]

well according to me the difference between a 3.5 gen and a 4 gen aircraft is
1)3.5 gen aircraft has a modern radar capable of multiple track while scan same like a 4th gen aircraft.
2)mfd's same as a 4th gen aircraft.
3)avionics will be marginally inferior than a 4th gen aircraft.
4)performance will be comparable.
5)will not have multiple sensors like a 4th gen aircraft.

 

[gf0012-aust]

The following is ASPI's definition:

Fighter generations

Fighter capabilities are frequently addressed in terms of ‘generations’, which consist of groups of fighters of similar capabilities. The divisions between groups are marked by substantial advances in aerospace technology and capability.

The first generation started with the World War I fighter and spanned the evolution of wood and fabric biplane fighters into the streamlined, high-performance, all-metal, monoplane fighters of World War II, such as the Supermarine Spitfire and North American Mustang.

The second generation began with the technological breakthrough of the jet engine, and included swept-wing jet fighters such as the North American Sabre, the Hawker Hunter and the MiG-15/17. It closed with such aircraft as the American ‘Century Series’ fighters (F-100, F-104, F-105), Dassault Mirage III and MiG-21.

The third generation was marked by the rediscovery of the need for agility, as a consequence of the difficulties United States fighters experienced in the air over North Vietnam. Pilots were again provided with bubble canopies and fighters were refitted with guns. Aerodynamic advances and digital technology significantly enhanced fighter manoeuvrability. The third generation bred the American ‘Teen series’ {F-14, F-15, F-16 and F/A-18} and the Dassault Mirage 2000.

The fourth generation saw a further advance in fighter manoeuvrability and the wider use of digital technology, both in weapons systems and in flight control systems. Software integration became a very serious issue. The Eurofighter, the Rafale and the Sukhoi Su-30 family are typical of the fourth generation, although with the passage of time aviation historians will likely group the third and fourth generations together.

The fifth generation is defined by low observable technology and the enormous tactical advantage stealth confers. The generation comprises the F/A-22, the F-35 JSF, and perhaps the Chinese XXJ and the Next Generation Russian fighter.

Advancing unmanned platform technology suggests that there might not be a sixth generation manned fighter: only time and the lessons of operational experience will tell.