A class of fighter jets is the fifth-generation fighter. This class contains fighters that include major technologies from the early 21st century. These aircraft will be available for service in 2022. They include the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor in China, China’s HAL FGFAFA, and Russia’s Sukhoi Su-57 in Russia.
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor
Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor Fighter Aircraft is the fifth generation. The aircraft entered service in 2005 and won the Collier Trophy in 2006. The F-22 has been controversial due to its high cost and suitability in a post-1945 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. The collapse of the Soviet Union ended this plan. In 2009, the U.S. Department of Defense announced that it would end production of the F-22 at 187 aircraft. In 2012, the final Raptor was delivered by the Air Force and flew its last mission in September 2014.
The F-22 stealth plane is equipped with twin turbofan turbofan engines. It has a supersonic speed limit of 2,414 km/h. It can cover 1,600 nautical mile. It climbs at impressive speeds, reaching speeds of up to 68.900 feet per minute, and 350 meters per second. It uses only one gallon of fuel for every 1.1 nautical miles.
China's HAL FGFA
HAL is currently reviewing the Indian Air Force's proposal to build the fifth-generation HAL FGFA fighter plane. The aircraft will enter service in 2022. The FGFA will be able to offer 43 improvements over the PAK FA. These include stealth, supercruise and advanced sensors and combat avionics.
Over a decade ago, the FGFA Project was in development. It was originally designed on the Su-57 (also known by the T-50 FA and PAK FA), and was to be a 2-seater with pilot. It is a major upgrade of the Su-57. Russian Air Force owns all Su-57s currently in production.
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. But the jet is not without challenges. The jet currently lacks a second-generation engine, low-observable theft technology, advanced avionics, and sensor capabilities. The Russian Air Force has delayed delivery of this fighter until the latter part of 2020 due to these factors. A recent test-flight crash raised concerns about the safety and reliability of Su-57 Jets at this stage.
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. In the beginning, the Russian MOD hoped to purchase 60 production-standard Su-57s in 2020. However, this number has fallen to between 150 and 160 due to sanctions imposed on the West. However, Russian President Vladimir Putin recently announced that the Russian Air Force plans to buy 76 Su-57s by 2028.
Pakistan's HAL FGFA
The HAL FGFA 5th generation fighter was slated to begin production in 2019 and to 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. The aircraft's reliability was also questioned after its launch.
Pakistan's Air Force declared its intention to build a fifth-generation fighter jet. Project Azm is an ambitious project in which the country plans to build a city that will be used for research, manufacturing and education. This will allow the country to develop modern fighter aircraft. This is a significant milestone towards Pakistan's goal, which is to export its defense hardware abroad.