The fifth-generation fighter is a class of jet fighter aircraft. This class includes fighters with major 21st-century technologies. These aircraft are expected for service by 2022. They include the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor and China's HAL FGFA.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Fighter Aircraft is the fifth generation. In 2005, the aircraft was in service and won the Collier Trophy 2006. The F-22 has been the subject of controversy over its cost and suitability in a post-Cold War environment. The F-22 was made to be a superior fighter in its class. It was originally intended to replace Soviet-made Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. The collapse of the Soviet Union ended this plan. In 2009, U.S. Department of Defense stated that it would stop producing the F-22 at 187 planes. The final Raptor was delivered to the Air Force in 2012 and flew its first mission in September 2014.
The F-22 stealth fighter has twin turbofan engine and a supersonic speed at 2,414 km/h. It can fly 1,600 miles. It climbs well, climbing at speeds up to 68,900ft per minute and 350m per second. Its fuel consumption is low, with a gallon of fuel per 1.1 nautical miles.
China's HAL FGFA
HAL's proposal that the HAL FA fifth generation fighter plane be manufactured is currently under review by the Indian Air Force. It is expected to enter service in 2022. The FGFA boasts 43 improvements over current PAK FA. This includes stealth, supercruise, advanced sensors, combat avionics, and advanced radar.
The FGFA has been in development since more than a decade. It was originally based on the Su-57 (also known as the T-50 and PAK FA) and was intended to be a two-seater with pilot, a major upgrade over the Su-57. Russian Air Force is currently producing the Su-57s.
Russia's Sukhoi Su-57
The Su-57 fifth-generation fighter is built for one pilot. Russia plans to deliver at least 76 of these fighters to its airforce by the end 2020s, although it is still an early prototype. However, this jet is not without its problems. It currently does not have a second engine of the second generation, low-observable spy technology, or advanced avionics or sensor capabilities. Russian Air Force delayed delivery of the fighter due to those factors until the end 2020s. Moreover, a recent test flight crash has raised concerns about the safety of Su-57 jets at this stage of development.
The Su-57's initial acquisition plans have been cut back multiple times. This was partly due technical difficulties and partly because of Western sanctions that were placed on Russia's economy. Initially, the Russian MOD had planned to acquire 60 Su-57s with production-standard specifications by 2020. However, this number has fallen to between 150 and 160 due to sanctions imposed on the West. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated recently that the Russian Air Force planned to purchase 76 Su-57s within 2028.
Pakistan's HAL FGFA
HAL FGFA 5th Generation fighters were expected to be produced in 2019 and cost more than $6 billion. Among the costliest parts of the fighter are the avionics, which cost $100 million each. In October 2012, India reduced its purchase order to 144 fighter aircraft. Its launch also raised questions about the reliability of the aircraft.
Pakistan's Air Force made the announcement that it would build a fifth generation fighter plane. Project Azm is an ambitious project that will see the country build a city for research, manufacturing, education and the development of modern fighter planes. This is a significant step towards Pakistan’s goal of exporting its defense hardware to developing countries.