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PAK FA creating a supersonic vapor cone at MAKS-2015
A fifth-generation jet fighter is a jet fighterclassification used around the world that encompasses the most advanced jet fighter generation as of 2016. Fifth-generation aircraft are designed to incorporate numerous technological advances over the fourth-generation jet fighter.[citation needed] The exact characteristics of fifth-generation jet fighters are controversial and vague, with Lockheed Martin defining them as having all-aspectstealth even when armed, low probability of intercept radar (LPIR), high-performanceairframes, advanced avionics features, and highly integrated computer systems capable of networking with other elements within thebattlespace for situation awareness.[1]
Currently, the only combat-ready fifth-generation fighters are the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, which entered service with theUnited States Air Force in 2005, and theLockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II, which entered service with the United States Marine Corps in 2015.[2][3][4][5] The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II A and C variants, Sukhoi PAK FA, HAL AMCA, TAI TFX, Chengdu J-20 andShenyang J-31 are currently under various stages of testing and development.
