The Evaluation and Assessment of Modern Combat Aircraft

Abstract

The article describes the evolution of the combat aircraft concept from the implementation of the first supersonic fighter aircraft, i.e., the so-called 3^rd generation, to the currently implemented 5^th and 6^th generation on the horizon, in the context of combat performance and properties.  Performance was critical and dominant parameters for 3^rd and 4^th generation aircraft, whereas for 5^th and 6^th generation aircraft, stealth properties, the performance does not exceed or even inferior to 4^th generation aircraft (Lockheed F-35). In the work, based on resources and research as well as the authors' expert experience, an attempt was made to justify and explain the state of the art in aircraft combat technology. The analysis covered characteristic combat aircraft, produced in a significant number (several hundreds and more). The primary performance of the aircraft, which determines the combat capabilities, was evaluated  and assessed with performance envelopes. Performance was supplemented with analysis of stealth properties, as a critical parameter for combat aircraft on the modern battlefield. In the authors' opinion, aerodynamics and performance nowadays have reached the state-of-the-art, and no further changes should be expected here. Whereas the challenge remains aircraft detectability i.e. the stealth properties. In this context, the 5^th generation is almost a revolution compared to the previous 4^th generation. This, consequently, may make the 4^th generation aircrafts modernisation and upgrade unjustified.