In every military
around the world, fighter jets are essential for air superiority in
Battle-space. Fighter jets often serve as support for ground troops, sea, and
air forces. Today, there are over 53,271 active fighter jets globally today.
The United States has 13,246 aircraft (that’s 25% of the total fleet)
The US
dominates the airspace when it comes to the world’s most advanced fighter jets.
However, today’s list of top ten fighter jets still includes some close
competition.
10th Spot, equally matched Russian MiG-29, India’s Tejas-MK-1A, but slightly advanced
JAS 39E Gripen
took the 10th Spot,
The
Swedish Saab JAS 39E Gripen may not be last on this list for long. According to
Saab, the JAS 39E is equipped with the most advanced AESA radar and ten onboard
weapons stations. Its avionics include Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration
components and advanced sensor technology.
9th Spot, F-15 Eagle,
As the
fourth U.S. fighter jet to make the list the F-15 is notable for its weapons
capacity and speed. Along with the F-22 and F-35, the F-15 E is compatible with
the top weapons systems in air-to-air weaponry, including the AIM-120 and the
AIM-9x Sidewinder. It has advanced target detection and tracking technology and
is capable of carrying up to 2300 pounds of ordinance.
The F-15E
has a high thrust to weight ratio and as such was the first fighter jet with
the ability to vertically accelerate. Faster than even the F-22, the F-15E can
reach speeds of over Mach 2.5
8th Spot, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet,
Available
reports show that with a top speed of just Mach 1.8, the Boeing F/A-18 Super
Hornet is slower than the F-22 and even the J-20, but its efficiency and
weapons-capacity are still noteworthy.
The
F/A-18 and E/F versions feature long-range fuel storage capabilities and the
E/F versions has 11 onboard weapons stations for air-to-air and air-to-ground
weapons systems. It also has the capacity to carry advanced laser-guided
“smart” weapons. However, the F/A-18E/F does carry its weapons load externally,
which reduces its stealth capabilities.
7th Spot, Sukhoi Su-35,
The
Russian Sukhoi Su-35 can reach speeds of Mach 2.25 and features
three-dimensional thrust vectoring technology that makes this fighter jet both
fast and maneuverable.
It has a
total of twelve weapons stations and can carry more than twice the ordinance of
the F-15 Eagle. However, it use the Irbis-E Passive Electronically Scanned
Array radar, which unlike AESA radar, can only emit a single wave at a fixed
frequency and likely relies on physical antenna receptors.
6th Spot, Eurofighter Typhoon,
Jointly
developed by Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom, the Eurofighter
Typhoon is fast, but has room for maneuverability improvement.
The
Eurofighter was designed to be a beyond-visual-range capability as well as an air-to-ground
engagement asset. It is currently compatible with the most advanced European
air-to-air, air-to-ground, and air-to-ship missiles and is equipped with the Euroradar
CAPTOR AESA radar.
Reaching
speeds of slightly over Mach 2, the Typhoon Eurofighter is reported to be the
most advanced fighter jet native to Europe.
5th Spot, Dassault Rafale,
The
French Dassault Rafales’ most significant capability is that its advanced
avionics and weapons system integration allow it to track up to 40 targets and
fire on four targets simultaneously. As part of this interconnected avionics
system, the Dassault Rafale employs the MDPU Thales RBE2-AA AESA radar.
Though reported to be highly maneuverable, the Dassault Rafale only reaches a max speed of Mach 1.8
4th Spot, Sukhoi Su-57,
Similar
to the J-20, the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 fighter jets is the first 5th
generation fighter outside United States. It is known that the Su-57 has
advanced situational awareness technology, which includes AESA radar embedded
in the jet’s “cheeks” for wider range, and onboard infrared search and track
technology. It reportedly has a powerful onboard computer and operates using
the Sh121 multifunctional integrated radio electronic system (MIRES)-Byelka
radar. Along with the F-35, F-22, and J-20, the Su-57 has Electronic Warfare
(EW) capabilities.
In terms
of stealth, the Su-57 is capable of storing weapons inside its fuselage,
reducing its profile. Although highly advanced in many areas, the Su-57 is
thought to employ the Saturn AL-41F1 engine, which is a slightly older model.
3rd Spot, Chengdu J-20 “Mighty Dragon”
The true
performance capability of China’s Chengdu J-20 fighter jet is known only to the
Chinese government.
The J-20
reportedly carries more weapons systems than the F-22, with an internal weapons
bay and two side-bays for both long and short-range missiles. It is equipped
with retractable missile launchers that can slide out on rails and then stow
away to reduce the jet’s radar profile. Additional stealth is achieved by the
J-20’s integrated fly-by-wire system and through its ability to power the
engine on low intake, which reduces heat signature.
While
China claims the J-20 is capable of speeds slightly over Mach 2, there has been
some discrepancy surrounding the jet’s engines. It was initially reported to
use the less-advanced Russian AL-31 turbofan engines, but this year the South
China Morning Post reported that the J-20 was being upgraded and equipped with
new WS-15 engines.
Battle
for First spot: F-35 vs. F-22 both are 5th generation fighter, which
one will take first spot, F-22 or F-35.
The F-22
Raptor is also a serious contender for the top spot. By the latest reports, the
F-35 has a maximum speed of only about Mach 1.61 or about 1,235 mph, while the
F-22 can reach Mach 2.25. The F-35 is also reported to be slightly less
maneuverable than the two-engine F-22.
So, what
breaks the tie between the F-35 and the F-22?
2nd Spot, F-22 Raptor,
The
stealth, speed, and maneuverability of the F-22 sets it apart. It can reach a
speed of Mach 2.25, or 1,726 mph, and features a Triplex fly-by-wire system and
thrust-vectoring technology.
“The F-22
has given us thrust vectors and there's not another US fighter anywhere near as
capable as an F-22 at performing drastic maneuvering in the high airway
regime,” Chris “Worm” Spinelli, F-35 Test Pilot, Lockheed Martin told Warrior.
Highly
advanced stealth technologies also define the F-22. Its design features edge
alignment, serpentine bends, and angled vans to reduce its radar and
plain-sight visibility. The F-22 also has the ability to reduce its infrared
signature through its flat thrust-vectoring nozzle technology.
1st Spot, F-35 Lightning II,
“If I have to go to war, I'm going to be in an
F-35,” Chris “Worm” Spinelli, F-35 Test Pilot, Lockheed Martin told Warrior.
His colleagues agree. The deciding factor for them, and the reason the F-35 is
the most technically advanced jet in the world today, is Situational Awareness.
Furthermore,
each helmet also has a customizable display that is networked with the F-35’s
avionics.
The F-35
is compatible with the latest air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, including
the AIM 9X SideWinder and the Storm Shadow weapons systems. However, its pilots
note that perhaps the mark of a truly advanced fighter jet is being so many
steps ahead of the adversary that it never actually needs to fight.
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