A class of fighter jets is the fifth-generation fighter. This class features fighters that use major technology developed in the first half of the 21st Century. These aircraft are expected for service by 2022. Among them are the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, China's HAL FGFA, and Russia's Sukhoi Su-57.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor aircraft is a fifth generation fighter aircraft. It entered service in 2005, and was awarded the Collier Trophy in 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 built to be the most powerful fighter in its class and was meant to replace the Soviet-made Sukhoi Su-30 MKI. This plan was ruined by the collapse of Soviet Union. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Defense declared that the F-22 production would cease at 187 aircraft. In September 2014, the Air Force received its final Raptor. It flew its first mission on September 2014.
The F-22 is a stealth fighter with twin turbofan engines and a supersonic speed of 2,414 km/h. It can reach 1,600 nautical miles. It can climb at speeds of upto 68,900ft/minute and 350m/second. It consumes only 1.1 nautical mile of fuel, which is a gallon per mile.
China's HAL FGFA
The Indian Air Force is currently evaluating HAL's proposal to manufacture the HAL FGFA fifth generation fighter plane. The aircraft is scheduled to enter service in 2022. The FGFA has 43 improvements over its predecessor, the PAK FA. They include stealth, supercruise as well advanced sensors and combat avionics.
The FGFA has been in development since more than a decade. The original design was based on Su-57, also known as T-50 FA and PAK FA. It was designed to be a two-seater aircraft with pilot. This is a significant upgrade from the Su-57. Russian Air Force owns all Su-57s currently in production.
Russia's Sukhoi Su-57
The Su-57 fifth-generation fighter can only be piloted by one person, which is important considering the plane’s high level of automation. Russia plans to deliver at least 76 of these fighters to its airforce by the end 2020s, although it is still an early prototype. The jet faces many challenges. 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. A recent test flight accident has also raised concerns about safety of Su-57 jets in 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. Initial plans for the Russian MOD to acquire 60 Su-57s of production-standard by 2020 were canceled. But, due to the sanctions imposed by the West, that number has dropped to around 150-160. Russian President Vladimir Putin has recently stated that the Russian Air Force intends to purchase 76 Su-57s before 2028.
Pakistan's HAL FGFA
The HAL FGA 5th generation fighter was to go into production in 2019, and cost more that $6 billion. Avionics were $100 million each, making them one of the most costly parts of this fighter. In October 2012, India reduced its purchase order to 144 fighter aircraft. Its launch raised questions about its reliability.
Pakistan's Air Force declared its intention to build a fifth-generation fighter jet. In an ambitious project known as Project Azm, the country is building a city dedicated to research, manufacturing, and education for the development of modern fighter jets. This is an important step towards Pakistan's goal for exporting defense hardware and technology to other developing nations.