Fighter Generations

[Gripen]

So what do class the F-117 and B-2 as? Their both stealth but dont have supersonic?

The Su-37 Terminator had thrust vectoring but no stealth, so would that be a 5th or 4th?

[BigsWick]

I'd view the F-117 and B-2 as being not germaine to the fighter "generation" discussion because they are bombers.

The SU-37 does present some interesting questions. Clearly not every fighter would absolutely fit into one category or another. Take the MiG-17. Would it be considered a first gen fighter? I'd say no based upon its performance and capabilites as a dog fighter. I'd be more likely to classify it as second gen, even though it wasn't supersonic. The Su-37 might best be classified as a 4th gen "plus."

[Gripen]

I think they have a designation for those, its 4.5 gen

Argument wise, some consider the Typhoon, Rafale and Gripen as 4.5's, not 4's or 5.


Gah, this is so annoying its not funny 

(If the F-117 is a bomber, whys it got a fighter designation?  )

[BigsWick]

Well, the F-117 isn't the first US plane to be given the "F" designation when its primary role was ground attack. Other examples that immediately come to mind are the F-105 and the F-111.

[Raptor]

F-117. There was a whole long discussion on that right? It handles like a fighter, it was to confuse the russians, etc... So are advanced jet trainers counted in this discussion?