Aviation found its application on the battlefield, its role especially increased during the Second World War and World War II. Today we’ll talk about fighter planes.
What is a fighter?
This is a military aircraft whose main purpose is to destroy enemy air units. Used as an escort for air vehicles, protects ground objects from enemy aircraft. Quite rarely, fighter planes attack sea and ground targets.
Liners of this type are among the defensive types of weapons. Although at present they have the ability to effectively attack ground targets.
According to some designers, in the near future, probably, fighters will be able to replace "drones" (unmanned aerial vehicles).
This type of aircraft can have various functions. It is customary to distinguish the following types:
- Frontline. Destroy enemy aircraft in maneuvering air battles.
- Multi-purpose. Destroy both aircraft and ground targets.
- Interceptors. They are located at a great distance from the protected objects and defend them, destroying the enemy with missile weapons.
- Deck. Aircraft in service with ships.
- Multifunctional. Perform tasks of all types and types of fighter aircraft.
Yakovlev Fighter
During World War II and World War II, the need arose to create high-quality aircraft. The talented aircraft designer Alexander Sergeyevich Yakovlev developed such an aircraft in 1943.
Yak-3 - Soviet fighter aircraft, one of the modifications of the Yak-1. It differed from its predecessor in the engine and the shortened wing. The windshield was replaced with a single one, which significantly increased visibility.
The main goal of the developers was to increase firepower and combat characteristics. This was achieved due to the maximum relief of the aircraft. The Yak-3 easily opposed German aircraft and became one of the lightest fighters of the time. And his speed could develop up to 650 kilometers per hour.
Russian achievements
Now the development of Russian aviation has gone far ahead. Russian fighter aircraft have improved characteristics and weapons. One of the aircraft in operation is the famous Su-35. This is a highly maneuverable multi-purpose fighter of the 4 ++ generation. This designation indicates that this aircraft model has characteristics close to the fifth generation. He lacks only low visibility technology and an active antenna array (AFAR). Su-35 also has powerful electronic warfare.
One of the American analytical publications called this fighter the most dangerous weapon of the Russian Federation. It is a threat to any aircraft, with the exception of the American Raptor, which we will also talk about.
But it is being replaced by a fifth-generation fighter T-50 (PAK FA), which they intend to put into operation in 2017.
Data about him were not disclosed, therefore only approximate characteristics are known. The T-50 is larger than the Raptor, but smaller than the Su-27, which it is replacing. The stealth fighter, maneuverable, multi-functional, has supersonic cruising speed and advanced electronics. PAK FA can quickly receive information about the enemy due to the presence of a system of passive sensors and sensors, as well as reliable channels for the exchange of necessary information.
USA Achievements
The American F-22 Raptor fighter is not far behind Russian aces. It is a multipurpose airship. It is considered the first fifth-generation aircraft in service.
Its design is highly used technology to reduce visibility. Also, engineers worked hard on the versatility of the fighter. Most of the structure is made of polymer composite materials, which allows the aircraft to operate at temperatures as high as 230 degrees.
The maximum speed of the Raptor can be 2400 kilometers per hour.
An important tactical advantage of this fighter is flying at high speed without afterburner, which is achieved due to engines having high after-thrust. The Raptor is equipped with a high-quality data transmission system, a friend-or-foe recognition system and other channels.
It is also one of the most expensive fighter aircraft.