What makes an Third, Fourth and/or Fifth Generation of Fighter Aircrafts

[boomerdl]

Being a newby here on Defencetalk, just wondering if somebody already had made comparisons what makes a 3rd, 4th and/or 5th generation fighter aircrafts? What are the capabilities of an aircraft to be considered as one of the 3 categories? Also, could an 4th generation aircraft go through serious modifications and/or improvements to get to be considered a 5th generation or is even possible? These questions are intended to those members in this forum or academics having the expertise and experience to provide expert responses. However, any comments and/or responses are all welcome.

[Mod Edit: Thread closed for pointless stupidity.]

 

[SpudmanWP]

I think you need to practice your Google Fu.

[ame="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jet_fighter_generations"]Jet fighter generations - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia[/ame]

While there are many factors that are included in a 5th Gen Fighter, IMHO the overriding factor that is an all-aspect VLO RCS while armed. This precludes any 4th gen fighter from becoming a 5th gen fighter because this would require a new airframe, which would make it a new fighter.