Military aviation has always played a vital role in the success of any operation. Nowadays, its influence has only increased, so representatives of armies of different countries strive to develop this particular direction. Particular attention is paid to fighters. They are constantly modernized and also equipped with unique systems and technologies. Thanks to this, military aircraft remain an advanced combat unit capable of coping with the most challenging tasks. Our article will discuss the most exciting technologies used on modern fifth-generation fighters.
Fifth Generation Fighter Technologies
Today, the newest fighters are of the fifth generation. They are considered perfect combat units, equipped with modern systems for various purposes and unique technologies. This combination increases the efficiency of military aviation and expands its range of applications.
Stealth Technology (ST)
One of the most famous technologies used on current-generation fighters is ST or Stealth. It allows aircraft to remain invisible to radar, regardless of their model and operational efficiency. Such camouflage is possible because special innovative materials are used in the production of fighters that can absorb various studies. The desired effect is also achieved by reducing the radar cross-section, proper thermal signature management and the special shape of the aircraft itself.
Stealth is actively used today on many US Air Force aircraft. In particular, it is a key factor that makes the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor models the best in the world. These aircraft can perform various combat missions, fly into the airspace of other countries, and remain completely invisible to radar.
Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS)
EOTS stands out among the most striking products of modern aviation technologies. A high-performance system ensures the most accurate guidance of the missiles used for the selected target. EOTS performs its task equally well when aiming at air and ground targets, making it universal and useful for military personnel operating fighters.
EOTS is used on the F-35 Lightning II. It is integrated into various parts of the aircraft and is protected from external influences by a particular window made of sapphire glass. Thanks to a high-speed fiber-optic interface, the system transmits data to the main onboard computer of the fifth-generation fighter. This information helps the pilot guide missiles to a particular target in much the same way as owners of AGM thermal scope guide weapons to an object.
Infrared Search and Track (IRST)
Current-generation fighters use effective IRST technology. It is necessary to detect and track various objects in the airspace emitting infrared radiation. These are often enemy aircraft, from helicopters to some types of drones. IRST is available to pilots of the F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35 and some European-made fighters.
IRST uses special sensors in its work. They are located on the aircraft’s fuselage and are used to detect IR radiation. These sensors are passive. They do not emit their radiation, which makes them virtually invisible to similar devices installed on enemy fighters. This feature makes them effective at short distances. At the same time, IRST will not always be able to detect remote aircraft. Also, this technology becomes less effective when working in bad weather conditions. In all other respects, it has no competitors and will be used on fighters for a long time.
Electro-Optical Distributed Aperture System (EODAS)
Modern technologies designed for military use make fighters the most advanced aircraft of our time. They enable pilots to use various innovative systems, including EODAS. It is currently used on American F-35 Lightning II fighters.
EODAS is a system that includes six high-resolution IR sensors. They are placed in specially designated areas of the aircraft’s fuselage, wings and tail, providing the most complete coverage. This gives pilots a 360-degree view and can learn in advance about all potential threats (approaching missiles, other aircraft, thunderstorm front, etc.). All data is received with minimal delay so the fighter pilot can monitor the situation in real-time and respond to all potential dangers. Thanks to this feature of EODAS, the safety of military aircraft flights is increased, and access to combat missions is opened even in bad weather conditions.
Multifunction Advanced Data Link (MADL)
Modern military aviation requires advanced data transmission means. They will allow pilots to exchange information with each other, receive commands and coordinate actions with various ground units. All of this is possible thanks to MADL. This technology protects pilots with a particular communication line from interference and other problems. It is ideal for transmitting important information that will reach the addressee and will not be intercepted by the enemy.
MADL is used on various fifth-generation fighters. This technology is best implemented on F-35 Lightning II aircraft. Its presence significantly expands the data transmission capabilities and makes those operations previously considered difficult to implement available. An improved version of MADL or some close analog is expected on sixth-generation models.
Future technologies for next-generation fighters
The fifth-generation fighters are good in all aspects, but they are not perfect. That is why more advanced sixth-generation models are already being developed today. They are expected to be used as early as 2030, but this will require dozens of multinational projects and considerable work.
The next-generation fighters will use more modern technologies than their predecessors. They are expected to have completely new engines that are powerful and fuel-efficient. Of course, the new fighters will actively use artificial intelligence in various aspects of their work. This will affect aircraft control, air combat, navigation, onboard data processing, and much more.
According to available information, the new fighters will use some high-tech components manufactured using 3D printing. This will make it possible to create more complex and efficient parts. The changes will also affect a vital aspect: aircraft visibility. The sixth-generation models will use innovative fighter camouflage technologies, thanks to which opponents cannot detect them even with their state-of-the-art equipment.
VR technologies will be actively used in new fighters. They will help control military aircraft and provide an opportunity to conduct more effective pilot training. Night vision and thermal imaging will also expand their presence in the sixth-generation models. Both of these technologies will be introduced into the operation of various equipment, making it possible to achieve significant progress in managing and operating a fighter in the dark.
Fifth-generation fighters are advanced combat units. They are equipped with dozens of unique systems and technologies that allow them to gain an advantage over enemy aircraft. Despite this, work on modernizing aircraft and creating new innovative developments does not stop. Very soon, sixth-generation fighters will become available to the air forces of various countries. They will be high-tech aircraft expanding the range of aviation applications in various military operations.
