Evolution of Fighter Jets | Koala Explains: Fighter Generations and their Differences

From the first turbojet powered fighters of the 40's, to the Mach 2 interceptors of the 50's and 60's, to now multirole stealth fighters powered by thrust vectoring turbofan engines, and armed with deadlier missiles than ever, fighter jets have come a long way. Each new "generation" of fighters will bring new technologies and designs, focusing on different priorities as per the time. But what exactly defines these "generations"? And what are some of the core attributes of each? Today, we'll explain each generation of fighters in detail, and the factors that make a fighter belong to one generation over another.
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[@ArmorCast]

Cheers for the support of the channel lads! Make sure to share it around with the community too!

[@datbeast109]

You forgot about the T-60 :(

[@theroyalaustralian]

@@datbeast109 T-60? That is a WWII Tank

[@theroyalaustralian]

Koala, you contradicted yourself when you showed the F-35B Lightning II landing using thrust vectoring, you stated it didn't have thrust vectoring

[@theroyalaustralian]

It only has vertical thrust vectoring

[@datbeast109]

@@theroyalaustralian this is quite old, but from the context I've gather I assume he was talking about russian jets. I may have been talking about the russian S-70 UAV or the concept T-60 6th gen concept for russia

[@HatsuneM1ku01]

8th gen fighters- can transform into 3 modes, can fly up to and in space , can use reactionary warhead missiles, go into full hand to hand combat and urban warfare, full vr cockpits , and the pilots energy reacts to a singing heroine hundreds of thousands of miles away

[@ICECAPPEDSKY]

At that point it’s just gundams lol

[@sorrymabbad]

Don't forget the nuclear reactor engines and magic G-force absorbing crystals EDIT: For clarification, I ( and probably the OP) were talking about Macross. Look it up, it's great.

[@ubemcgrebbiii1923]

Eva’s inevitable

[@manojkothwal3586]

That's some Anime Mobile Gundam Amorphous Transformation.

[@Ghost_1944]

Get back in 2021 bro where jets still leak

[@troutwarrior6735]

Lasers on 7th gen fighters? I have a bad feeling about this. . .

[@freebrums4018]

Star wars us near us

[@RizkT511]

Imagine the stealth+drone+laser combo

[@funnyacres5078]

In all honesty, that’ll be interesting to see, as the AC130 generation that is adding it for the purpose of burning thru and killing engines or other purposes, but I do think lasers as an Active Defense System is and will be interesting to see

[@ClingyCrab]

Belka wants to: KNOW YOUR LOCATION

[@tonyrun5802]

@@ClingyCrab Ah yes, finally

[@royking7304]

I have always wondered about a lot of this stuff especially the distinction between the generations of fighters so this video was great. Keep up the great content.

[@Justanotherconsumer]

It’s a flaky concept to begin with. To be honest I’d prefer to see the Me-262 (first attempts, basically prop plane with jets) and MiG-15 (transonic missile-armed swept wing, etc…) as different generations.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

I think these aircraft generations make sense from a historical perspective, because it's reasonable to categorize historical aircraft based on older, proven technologies. However, this categorization becomes problematic when applied to aircraft currently/not yet in service, because its still unclear what the defining capabilities of current/future aircraft will be.

[@hudbudmudsud]

6th gen aircraft is going into acecombat territory.

[@grummanf14tomcat40]

[@Justanotherconsumer]

I’m guessing drones, to be honest. That’s the real change that‘a coming.

[@blackoni5709]

Belka did nothin wrong…

[@cpt.awesome7281]

[@tomasfabianserrut466]

@@Justanotherconsumer Pilots won't be replaced anytime soon, eventually yes but not soon

[@flying_bandit7609]

U.S.: *creates FA-XX as next gen fighter* Ace Combat players: aww man here we go agian

[@IshijimaKairo]

*laughs in airborne warships and airborne fortresses with the ability to carry ICBMs, cruise missiles and/or fighters*

[@Joshua_N-A]

I smell Belkan shenanigans.

[@just_a_firefly3354]

*belka has entered the chat* *grunder has entered the chat*

[@flying_bandit7609]

@@just_a_firefly3354 lol

[@fighter5583]

@@IshijimaKairo *laughs in destroying flying fortress with a typical Gen 4 fighter*

[@TheLampMan-JaE]

I like how almost every generation is defined by a specific capability, be it supersonic speed, supermanuverability or stealth. I'll bet the defining feature of 8th gen fighters will be space-flight capability.

[@Otterdisappointment]

I’d hope that for a next or current gen design if a new power source was developed in this decade. Certain contemporary designs would work just fine in but it’s the configuration I’m concerned with. Some could do with downscaling especially if energy weapons systems are implemented alongside a “fusion” sort of engine so less physical firepower is needed and less room for the system is needed as the logistics of short-term, external and ground-based liquid fuel storage is no longer an issue (unless there is liquid but it just burns slow) which all adds up to enough speed and fuel to travel from LA to Athens in an hour, tops, and then back without a problem (theoretically). The argument against such speeds is the stability, maneuverability (a future engine might allow more control to mitigate this) fuel consumption (solved with the theoretical engines) detection and speed of the aircraft vs a SAM (both mitigated by general advancement and the massive increase in speed). VTOL capability is getting better so that’s a good sign for all kinds of future flight. All-in-all, the staple of *every* generation is that the overall cost of advancement has helped outpace maintenance costs (a necessity with the DOD) as planes (and other platforms) become smaller (sometimes), more durable and more efficient and the Air branches don’t have to keep the less desirable models for as long or as many craft, even the new ones. The technology also extends out from the government to private sale to actual civilian purposes, eventually. For space flight to factor into all of this we’d need a severe advancement in engineering to achieve a self-contained plane with a pilot trained and equipped for such an environment with such a powerful and complicated craft made for single stage launch let alone straight takeoff if that’s even possible especially with such a small craft as well as the craft being configured for actual space, which is very different from atmospheric flight. There’s a reason the shuttle program was never really favored.

[@patrickmclaughlin61]

That may be 7th gen. 8th gen might be moving through dimensions.

[@benjaminparent4115]

I highly doubt that, you don't build aircraft like spacecraft, for the very good reason you have no medium to go through, and utilize in space.

[@TheLampMan-JaE]

@@benjaminparent4115 No, but in order to build a craft capable of transferring from atmospheric to space-flight and vice-versa you would need to build an actual aircraft.

[@benjaminparent4115]

@@TheLampMan-JaE Yeah but it will either not be a good aircraft, or not be a good spacecraft, space and atmospheric flight are very different you do not not move the same in pace and in the atmosphere, you can't even use the same propulsion, it might seems counter intuitive because frankly speaking the barrier between space and atmosphere is not well defined but hose are vastly different medium, it kind of like trying to make a car that is a submarine, you could but it will either suck or just have very limited capacity in one medium compared to the other. On top of that to need such vehicel well you kind of have the need for it and on top of that have it be more usefull than simply having 2 different vehicle,. And having to have two way to propulse, being able to reach orbital speed, on top of having to carry way more fuel and depending from your technology even oxydizer, and large quantity oxygen if you use pilot, is going to give a lot of downside to an aircraft, enough downside in my opinion they are always going to be heavily outperformed by a pure aircraft.

[@hizzaddinno394]

100 years of service life for 6th gen fighters? Wow, that's like the B-52 Stratofortress. There'll be pilots and crewmen working on planes that their grandparents worked on. That's rad. Those planes can serve as time capsules for later generations and have messages left in them for following generations to find.

[@amistrophy]

The F35 is already supposed to last into the 2080s. 60 years of service 100 year service life fighters would be a stretch though. The f35 is only lasting that long cux its built with lots of space for improvement, and it's a multirole aircraft which focuses on attack. Doesn't take too much to lob a bomb on a specific piece of land. The F22 is probably gonna be retired by the 2040s. Sad. However, air superiority is a more difficult requirement for an airframe.

[@levitschetter5288]

It would probably be less likely of the same jets being used for 100 years and more the same design and with all the replacement parts you get into the whole astronaut ship theology thing

[@user-sg6zh6vr7h]

@@amistrophy looks like the f22's retirement is accelerating a lot more rapidly

[@user-sg6zh6vr7h]

@@davidvarnes7708 honestly in modern warfare, maneuverability is a overrated. Stealth, range, cruising speed, ECM, ECCM, advanced radars and sensors, BVR capability and other elements matter more. Not to mention maintainability, upgradability, and repairability for future proofing planes. Being able to manuever is more of an added benefit really.

[@GonzoTehGreat]

@@amistrophy The F-35 was supposed to do a lot of things it probably won't do. Given its ongoing maintenance problems I'd be surprised if the current airframes last 30 years, much less 60 years! As for it still being widely in service 50 years now, it will depend on how warfare evolves over the next few decades. If there are few conflicts involving the USA (and their NATO allies) the JSF is unlikely to see much combat, so could remain in service for as long as the F-15 and F-16 have, but if it does see regular deployment then this will shorten the operational lifetime of existing airframes. Wars also accelerate the development of new military technologies, which could make the F-35 obsolete earlier than expected. Indeed, it's already likely to be surpeceded by 6th gen models from 2040s onwards, but the USA could switch to mainly exporting it instead, as they're currently doing with the F-16.

[@borisxanovavich4466]

Now this... this is why I sometimes miss my online classes. These videos are too damn good!

[@moldovanpotato]

I always wandered if hypothetically, a completely new fighter could be classified as an older generation?

[@ArmorCast]

It has happened in the past, for example the MiG-19 and F-100 (gen 2) were in development before Italy had designed the Fiat G.91 (gen 1), and the JF-17 Thunder (gen 4) was only designed after the first fifth gen fighters began to fly.

[@DrRajReddy]

U can also add f36 king snake that is being worked on to replace f16 to that list. F36 is going to be a 4th Gen fighter. That is being developed at the same time as 6th Gen jets. This is to have fighters that will be cheap to use and easily maintenance

[@seth0023]

@@DrRajReddy f-36 is just a concept, its not being made

[@omarn6989]

@@DrRajReddy that was a theorycraft article in Pop Mechanics - not happening.

[@quisqueyanguy120]

The JF-17, FA-50, HAL Tejas and KF-21 Boramae are examples of that.

[@SuicidalRevolver]

Just a quick PSA that the SU-34 had a kitchen and a toilet.

[@daviotw]

me wondering how the fuck are they able to do that XD

[@sam8742]

@@daviotw it's big

[@truisticprince]

@@daviotw chonk

[@SuicidalRevolver]

Um... ok? How's that relevant to my comment?

[@imadrifter]

@@SuicidalRevolver um well maybe he was saying that because its a bomber, they traditionally have a lot more room than attack or fighter aircraft. But wtf do I know about this guys meaning

[@timothygooding9544]

The VR cockpit concept is already somewhat a thing for the F-35, it basically lets you see what the targetting pod sees. A 6th gen version would likely be having multiple pods so there is truely no gimbal limit since it could switch you to another camera once you reach the limit of one, AI object recognition would also be great for that kind of system And laser point defence is already a thing, russian fighters and some US cargo planes use them to confuse infared missiles (although they cant destroy them, only blind them. Its like trying to shoot a pin but now that pin looks like a beach ball)

[@adamfrazer5150]

This is really useful for anyone with an interest in military aviation but unclear on the lineage and development specifics - many thanks for putting this all together 👍🍻

[@memelephant]

15:08 The F-35 actually allows pilots to see through the plane with their AR goggles

[@Joshua_N-A]

4th gen is the pinnacle of fighter design. I miss the days when each aircraft has its own distinctive design unlike the 5th gen due to in order to deflect the radar waves elsewhere so they can't return, they look similar to each other, almost like they copy each other"s homework but make it different.

[@sidharthcs2110]

True. Start of the 5th gen might be end of distinct looking airframes

[@JM64]

Really only 3rd and 4th gen had unique airframes then, since 1st gen was mostly flying cans, Me-262 clones or Mig-19 clones; and 2nd gen fighters also shared a lot of features, perhaps most notably the giant central air intake so many of them had.

[@Utubesuperstar]

You mean China and Russia try to make cheap copies of us jets that don’t work well and are pieces of crap

[@KevekGaming]

Kinda like modern tanks, but for different reasons

[@notmeipromise]

Well,looks is not the militarys first priority. They want to make it capableand better,not neceserally good looking. But i agree, 4th gen ead the best

[@ODST_Parker]

Future 8th generation: literally just the Jackal from Infinite Warfare, focus on atmospheric combat with advanced VTOL systems and transition to space combat with movement in any and every direction.

[@mr.t-7243]

Gen 9: space capable with oxygen and hydrogen fuel for rocket boostets and lasers that can fire in all directions

[@ODST_Parker]

@@HowIsAsh I genuinely think everything about Infinite Warfare's campaign is amazing. There are videos for all the graphic design elements for the ships and vehicles (wish there were some for weapons, uniforms and such), and you can see how much time and effort went into it. They did their best to have it all make sense in the setting, and they did a really good job. The Jackal and Raven are now two of my favorite sci-fi ships of all time, not to mention the Retribution.

[@Datttsnake]

Sounds like Star Citizen lol

[@jetenthusiast6355]

@@mr.t-7243 Gen 10 Just Elite Dangerous

[@HatsuneM1ku01]

Literally any macross fighter lol

[@troutwarrior6735]

Sigh a squadron of f35s was recently stationed in my city, but it's annoying because they're so much louder than the F-18s that are normally flying around.

[@DaBestEmperor]

Haha, yeah I was at an airshow, there was an A-10, F-16, F-35, and a P-51 (for some reason). The F-35 was WAY louder than any of the other aircraft.

[@spartanx9293]

So are you australian

[@troutwarrior6735]

@@spartanx9293 No, I'm American.

[@spartanx9293]

@@troutwarrior6735 then why are f/a 18s flying near you

[@troutwarrior6735]

@@spartanx9293 There's a marine corps air station near where I live. Usually there are f18s stationed there, but recently a squadron of f-35s was placed there.

[@panzerknoef]

Finally a great and comprehensive video on this topic! Amazing content, Koala!

[@billowthepillow8628]

"radar stealth" * shows video of Su-57 * the 57 is for the number of years until Sukhoi makes a actual stealth fighter

[@bastikolaski8111]

Ohh some radar engineer with secret information here

[@eggboi6760]

1:47 lmao did he just flip the Sabre pilot off

[@midnightgt46]

i thought that too lol

[@TheJttv]

The US has reportedly tested a 6th gen fighter.... prototype. What ever that means

[@m1a1abrams3]

its called megatron. if starscream was 5th gen, cybertronian jets are 6th gen

[@biovorebarrage6860]

They flew a testbed if I remember right,it’s essentially all the tech that R&D has made slapped onto an airframe. What they flew probably wasn’t a early fighter model, just a demonstrator of what the tech can do.

[@ericbrodie5754]

It means it's sick af

[@imadrifter]

That means we have 12 of em already

[@Joshua_N-A]

BELKAN WITCHCRAFT

[@crashburn3292]

Seeing that many quality videos of 1st through 4th generation fighters in such quick succession almost gave me a woody. Love it! Subscribed.

[@jannegrey593]

Great as usual! Thanks Koala!

[@kurumi394]

South Korea's first indigenous fighter the KF-21 is being developed as a 4.5th gen fighter but is planned to be upgraded into q full 5th gen fighter by Block 3

[@Joshua_N-A]

Cost I think. 4.5 is the safest bet to not blow up the budget. The design is already a typical low observable design so this ease the transition from 4.5 to a full fledged 5th gen.

[@Avionicx]

Gen 4s will always be what I picture as fighter jets. The best of the best. The most effective combat planes ever made. When some says "fighter jet", I think of F-14s shooting off the deck of aircraft carriers, of F-15s and F-16s going Mach 2 past sand dunes, of MiG-29s and Su-35s racing towards the blue. Not to mention, the 4th gens look the best, *by far*. Those 6th gens have nothing to the F-15E or Su-35.

[@Joshua_N-A]

Gen 4 era is the pinnacle of fighter design. So many iconic designs born that time, unlike the 5th gen era where the requirements for deflecting those radar waves elsewhere had created nearly identical design.

[@fuzzblightyear145]

Know what you mean. Child of the 80's here and have kit models of most of those gen 4's

[@quakethedoombringer]

4th gen aircrafts fix most of 2th gen's issue about ranges while still retaining most of its predecessor's strong points (maneuverability and multi-purpose). 5th gen jets have to sacrifice a lot in terms of cost, weaponry and performance since stealth is still a novelty concept outside of the US

[@gotanon8958]

Except that isnt really true.

[@lazukk3735]

Facts

[@Fotoschiki]

I never get tired of watching the Tornado fold it's wings, with the wing pods rotating accordingly. So satisfying

[@gareththompson2708]

This was very helpful. Any chance you might do a video on MBT generations at some point? What distinguishes 3rd generation MBTs from 1st and second seems pretty clear, that being the use of composite armor and to some extent the switch to smoothbore guns (although there are no shortage of asterisks to that last part (M1 Abrams, Challenger, T62)). But I have absolutely no idea what distinguishes a second generation MBT from a first generation MBT (both generations are using plain old steel armor, both generations use traditional rifled guns (except for the T62), neither generation has advanced fire control systems). What new technologies or design choices did second gen MBTs bring to the table that made such a big difference as to be generational in nature?

[@ArmorCast]

This is something we'd be all too happy to cover at some point in the near future! Stay tuned

[@TakeTheL-iam]

I would consider fighter generations as less of a tier list and more of a spectrum, really

[@Justanotherconsumer]

I see them as a change in design objectives, which is what makes 2nd-3rd very fuzzy indeed.

[@enloeeagle7258]

This is probably the best way to view this, and probably any conversation involving generational improvements

[@captainfactoid3867]

“Beginning with the U.S....” think we’ll hear that a lot

[@graff5138]

Avro arrow lol

[@overtoast1105]

@@graff5138 was not that great lol

[@graff5138]

@@overtoast1105 no delta wings without it meaning no super sonic stability

[@overtoast1105]

@@graff5138 what

[@ukukutt1926]

@@overtoast1105 it was the first delta is what he is saying

[@jnlk2505]

my god koala u really outdid yourself your making better content than people with hundreds of thousands of subs :) keep up the work we love you :)

[@sebsunda]

I think the 7th Gen of aircrafts will most likely include high altitude hypersonic capabilities. You have to remember that "dog fighting" will increasingly become a thing of the past as missiles will increase in capabilities... The requirement will probably come from the combination of Space being officially recognized as a war fighting domain and the tech for Hypersonic flight which has been developed (and will probably mature in the next decade or so). This mean, the Airforce will have to find ways to defend/engage against space based assets and/or hypersonic missiles while ensuring air superiority. This will require a "platform" which will be able to at least "cruise" in the upper Stratosphere or lower Mesosphere in the hypersonic regime.

[@dovaiS]

The issue isn't missile capabilities, its radar coverage and IFF issues. Its more an issue of worrying about firing on friendlies than not being able to fire missiles.

[@Rockethead293]

Late, but I heard this possibility from LongShot. What if stealth becomes so advanced, you can't detect the bandit before the merge? Basically, the cycle repeats; dogfights, BVR, back to dogfights. It's interesting.

[@1Maklak]

There is also a pretty good chance for a drone to accompany fighters, carry extra missiles, maybe extra fuel to feed the jet and return to base. It would respond to simple commands, like "change formation", "return to base and land", "go fight my target", "bomb this location", etc.

[@joeKisonue]

Or , in the case of current reality, drones just complete missions.

[@KaitouKaiju]

Doesn't make much sense for drones to carry fuel as they'd need to burn that fuel to keep up in the first place

[@1Maklak]

@@KaitouKaiju What I mean, is replace the air refueling airplane with a drone, although on second thought, it needs to be big, so it may as well have crew.

[@matthewnovak3095]

@@1MaklakThis already exists. It’s called the Mq25 Stingray made by Boeing. Being tested right now as a carrier based refueler.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

8:41 - popular mistake: while the instruments give you a "heads up" on how your plane in doing, the data are made visible to the pilot via a head*-up display (HUD)! It is called so because pilots can keep their head* up to watch the instruments instead of having to look down on the dashboard.

[@miloufromsaigon]

I'm here after watching Top Gun 2. Thanks for this video! What a great knowledge to gain 😉

[@royaltyfreepelicangaming9757]

No fucking way you only have 5k subs you are one of the best youtubers ive seen you deserve way more subs

[@ArmorCast]

This means so much to read, thank you buddy! We're growing quickly! Working on some new content and collaborations with other military channels, so here's hoping for more new viewers!

[@Kaiserland111]

It's interesting to see how each generation of aircraft becomes more and more capable, leading to much longer service lives but also much higher costs. The rate of innovation within jet fighters is astounding, and it hasn't really been slowing down much, although that will surely happen eventually. It's also hard to believe that eventually a generation of aircraft will last longer than an entire human lifetime!

[@BIOSHOCKFOXX]

While technology each time rapidly evolves, meanwhile in military the service lives increases longer rather than shortens because of new technology. But it's mostly because the consumer technology is meant to be replaced with newer, rather than upgraded, where military vehicles are created with the idea of upgradability to specifically lessen the costs in long term.

[@Mikebrown-2817]

Went to the Toronto air show earlier this year absolutely loved it !! Came home and instantly watched top gun maverick, been obsessed with fighter jets and airplanes every since

[@EricHamm]

Lots of amazing YT aviation channels right now with F&E, Mustard, CuriousDroid, and more. I am glad you have found a style that is refreshingly different approach as to not make totally duplicate content. Keep up the good work. I am sure your channel will get more traction.

[@Blakezilla594]

Don't forget Skyships Eng👍

[@doctorcentaur875]

The Helios Lazer Is supposed to be attached to the next generation of fighters. *sky starts speaking latin*

[@aiden4474]

*megalith starts fading in*

[@tappajaav]

@@aiden4474 Thanks I hate obscure references

[@daveswort]

It’s interesting to see that contrary to how technology normally works, in a way that “newer things” become more quickly obsolete and need replacement ever more often (just look at the smartphone industry or home appliances industry), airplanes service expectancy keeps increasing almost exponentially with each generation. Maybe because development is so incredibly expansive or the new models are relatively easy to update, or maybe because it’s not a consume-focused industry.

[@jamesabernethy7896]

I go through phases of watching military videos. I really like this one. Quite short and concise.

[@theelephantintheroom69]

10th gen fighters will be made of nano-tech and it will morph between many aerodynamic forms depending on what maneuvers it's trying to achieve. It'll also have energy shields to absorb the lazers and energy blasts from the primative 9th gen fighters. 10th gen fighters will employ wormhole cannons to suck their enemies into the shadow realm.

[@slowery43]

Comedy really isn't your thing

[@Keep3r1438]

@@slowery43 L

[@debadityasaha1684]

😂​@@slowery43

[@dontworry2379]

These 6/7th Jen aircraft gonna have UFO watchers a field day😂

[@ybuRnoipmahC]

18:52 Warthunder footage makes a sick beat

[@WatchMysh]

Thanks for the great video! But I think the Logo in the upper right corner could be a bit bigger. And glowing. You also could let it spin once in a while in case somebody missed it.

[@grantstephenmcculloch1953]

Generation 7 will feature two sets of wings, that stay together for travel at high speed. Once in combat the wings will split into two sets, each with its own Helios laser attached to each wing. So difficult will it be for pilots to fly these on there own, then a robot 2nd generation Defence twin will sit in a socket behind the pilot to feed him information and even chat to him on the way back to help debrief and avoid boredom!

[@mac_pls]

basically X-wings

[@chillies696]

Hyped for laser-biplanes in the next patch

[@ShortandWide]

I always love the Gen 2 motif of "it is a rocket with wings and a cockpit"

[@happalula]

koala, could you maybe enlighten me about the changes from a single to a double rudder? is there a specific reason like avionic advantages, or rather a design or construction advantage that caused it?

[@ArmorCast]

The twin tail design allows for better rudder control without resorting to one massive tail. In the case of the F-14 say, it was also just easier and more convenient to manufacture, but what also plays into it is the fact that more modern onboard flight computers were better able to handle and make use of such factors. Seeing two or even three vertical stabilisers on bigger aircraft like the B-24 or Avro Lancaster, the Constellation, or even smaller, lower performance aircraft was quite common, but on high end fighter jets, the difference in control was too much for pilots to handle until the computers caught up

[@happalula]

thats one of the biggest reasons why i love your content - you take your time to explain so many things, plus your voice fits it so well^^ thanks koala!

[@zac3392]

But mainly because it looks twice as cool! 😝

[@Vealosaurus]

I know having a single airframe that can accomplish most roles is better but I love how unique and creative Cold War era jets were.

[@bryce4724]

Awesoke vid, id like to request one on the gripen and f-111

[@ArmorCast]

Gripen will be a real interesting one - I'll put it on the list :D

[@Vegas_Des]

Excellent video. Been wondering the differences between the generations for a while.

[@sniper_gamer_55]

This is a great video thank you , but you forgot to say that the F35's helmet maks the pilot see through it (through the F35)

[@AzzySunfire]

The entire plane? How?

[@sniper_gamer_55]

@@AzzySunfire by cameras mounted at the body of the jet in all directions

[@sniper_gamer_55]

@@AzzySunfire yes the entire plane

[@dantheman3022]

lol all you need is an external camera. NO HELMET can actuallly see through solid objects !!!!!! Stop daydreaming !

[@andrewmoore7022]

@@dantheman3022 the night vision camera mounted on the top of the helmet can see through the canopy just fine and the last time I checked the canopy is neither a plasma, gas or liquid. Also unless we have made some very recent leaps and strides in cybernetics you're still going to need to display strapped to your head (such it being a part of your helmet) that can display the correct camera feeds relative to the orientation of your head.

[@chaos6839]

Great video! Keep it up

[@michaelkeaton5394]

Fun fact: Dassault is the only company to ever made both Vtol and variables plane, tho both being prototype and never entered combat, the even helped McDonnell Douglass on the tomcat...

[@oskforalltid]

The Viggen which is classified as a gen 3 actually had data link capabilities and Sweden was the first country to implement it in their jets

[@dumdumbinks274]

The JA-37 interceptor was the one with datalinks, and came after the F-14A which had early datalink capabilities to cue it's AIM-54s.

[@jlight7346]

At 14:20 you mention the modified F-15s and F-16s that had thrust vectoring capabilities. But what about the F-18 HARV? It had some modifications (thrust vectoring panels that changes the direction of the engine exhaust) to it that ended up giving it super maneuverability like the two other technology demonstrators.

[@ArmorCast]

True, didn't mention that one - was just giving a couple of examples. In truth I forgot about the HARV at the time

[@lazukk3735]

@@ArmorCast why didn't you talk about russian thrust vectoring?

[@BrapBrapDorito]

@@lazukk3735 because thrust vectoring is thrust vectoring, no matter what country? The US, Russia, UK, and more have all dabbled in 3D and 2D thrust vectoring.

[@lazukk3735]

@@BrapBrapDorito very much different in the west and the east, and the US turned their attention to stealth while Russia focused on manoeuverabilty

[@michaelkeaton5394]

Damn the rafal and gripen look Sick!!!

[@M3PH11]

2:23 Developed and built 5 miles from where i live. The local airfield has one on a stand next to the entrance and the hanger the first prototype flew from is still there and in use. 3:30 Pay real close attention to the landing gear. This is exactly how hard you can hit the flight deck on a carrier and not break the wheels off. 13:25 has lockheed been giving away the blueprints for the F35 to literally anyone who asks? coz there are a lot of planes that look exactly like it in that list.

[@zentralratderfliesentischb660]

There is only one way to build a stealth plane because the laws of physics are true in the US, China, Russia and Europe all the same.

[@sunosis4872]

shoulda watched this tomorrow morning for my breakfast video but f it.

[@ilejovcevski79]

Considering the difficulties in defining them and the lack of consensus on the topic, a relatively well made and well rounded video

[@jamesmartin9401]

Really well done, concise and elegantly presented.

[@xray235]

I needed more Koala in my life, so I Liked, Subscribed, and activated Notifications.

[@brokenursa9986]

I would love to see lasers as the primary weapons on aircraft, but the issue with them is a combination of more difficult target tracking due to having a moving platform in addition to a moving target and a lack of power over long ranges. Current naval lasers can hit about 30kW, but that power drops off fast over distance. In BVR engagements, missiles would still probably be preferable, even on a Gen 7 fighter. It's only once you get within 10km that lasers would start to become more viable, I think. Then again, this is a half century of speculation, so maybe we will get to see a more dramatic improvement in laser power outputs and compactness than I think.

[@EdyAlbertoMSGT3]

Wouldnt aiming a lazer be like using a gun but without compesating for speed and heading?

[@brokenursa9986]

@@EdyAlbertoMSGT3 No. Lasers do damage by imparting thermal energy on the target, as you probably know, so they need a constant line of fire on the same point on the enemy craft to do damage effectively, which requires a very fast and precise turret. With a gun, you can just fire in a line along the path of the target and hope they run into it. In a dogfight scenario, guns are effective no matter how you approach the fight, but lasers would almost require the fighters to be in either a rolling scissor or two-circle rate fight to keep on target.

[@VikingTeddy]

Was hoping for this. Cheers Koala :).

[@lausdeobm8720]

The only missing thing they need is to train the American pilots to do a rendezook..

[@paulbrooks4395]

We can add that 4.5 gen includes a number of LO changes and emphasis on networking through the first major datalink standards. 5th gen is defined by stealth-only with advanced DL or new generation DL. 6th is stealth plus modern computing, SA, information sharing, and near total battlefield integration (with drones management/C&C likely to be a feature). The F-35 with its sensor fusion effectively shares many features with 6th gen, but won’t have the full suite due to the cost of implementing them ground-up. Over its upgrade lifecycle, it will definitely have significant overlap. What 6th gen promises more of is better cockpits that reflect advances in touch and display technology, with simpler integration (and UX) with other battlefield forces. Easy data sharing for fast responses is something that isn’t quite good enough yet. We still rely a lot on radio and voice communication for sharing data with our 5th gen platforms. Integration and better sharing is key to working effectively with drones, and that’s still in development for the Air Force and US Navy.

[@Marxman-bi5yu]

Calling it now, Gen 7 are gonna be aerospace planes made alongside battle mechs.

[@ernesztnagy4818]

Thanks for the video. Regards from Brazil!

[@pratyushtiwari591]

Jf 17 blunder is 10th gen fighter 😤 It can also go to moon, mars and venus

[@idontslapyou]

Yes. Agree.

[@patrvs]

Ok....?

[@npc6817]

"6th gen fighters may use laser weapons." "Why is the sky singing in latin?"

[@laracroft938]

Only 2 fifth gen aircraft has achieved full operational capability. Su-57 and j-20 hasn’t passed IOC yet and FC-31 is a tech demonstrator.

[@ArmorCast]

Su-57 actually went into active combat service in the middle east in 2020

[@sidharthcs2110]

FC 31 is Shenyang bureau's own programme. It didn't get state funds

[@fra93ilgrande]

Delta winged, specially the Eurofighter are my most favorites 😍🔥

[@AgentPepsi1]

There are a lot fewer SU30 and SU34s around now....

[@dpm2937]

2:37 correction: The Me-262 had the R4M AAM which was considered fit for action

[@daseinzigwahrem]

Which was an unguided rocket.

[@MajesticDemonLord]

"All I want is a Frickin Jet with Frickin lasers on it's head" -Dr Evil on 6th Gen Fighter jets.

[@TheDAWinz]

Ah fresh off the press!

[@theawesomeman9821]

Just watched Top Gun: Maverick! Now I'm interesting in F-18's!

[@Dominikmj]

I think it is a good video - however lacks the independent assessment - especially when it comes to gen 4, 4.5 (4+) and 5. For example despite the development and the propaganda, the Su-57 doesn’t exist as a readily deployable airmuster. And it is a fact, that it literally doesn’t sport the feature set (and advances) of a 5th gen jet. Similar the J-20 which is with 99% chance based on a rare 2 engine prototype of the J-9 - developed in the 60’s! It is also pretty sure, that the Chinese lack modern radar, modern avionics (except of glass cockpit), modern engine technology and effective stealth! Worse the J-31 which is still in prototype stage. What the video also doesn’t mention are advanced flight control- introduced (in practice) in the F-22 but also in use in the F-35, it is far more important than Thrust Vectoring!

[@Dominikmj]

@mandellorian First of all, I don't think that we have got to be uncivilized here. After that - you probably don't even know what I am talking about... but well. I don't say, that they haven't got any clue about something - but they need time to develop. This is natural. The European needed about 20 years to develop their AESA radar - and it is still not deployed. So it is nothing against China. But everything about time and budget.

[@alamy313]

The US defines the rules of the generation for the manufacturers that follow its lead. But Russia and China have different definition for generation for their fighters so without comparison J20 maybe a 2nd generation for China(as they probably haven't developed anything comparable to F15/14/16/18 etc) while comparable to US 5th generation.

[@casualsleepingdragon8501]

Þe þumbnail made my brain go "EVERTHING WONG WITH JET FIGHTERS!"

[@El_Cypriot]

Imo the new gen fighters aren't as eye pleasing like the 3rd, 4th and 4.5 generations. To me a Mirage 2000 in Greek colours is the most beutiful for example. Some will say function over art but who would't like to watch a marvelous iron bird fly rather than a pancake.

[@ScrapKing73]

Great video. One linguistic curiosity that stood out for me is the “four-point-fifth” affectation. I’d not previously heard that. I would expect to hear “four-and-a-half” from someone older, or “four-point-five” from someone younger. I’m in Canada, FWIW.

[@hiphip4808]

We need to petition the RAF to rename the Tempest to Hunter

[@VikingTeddy]

We're starting to run out of cool names so let's just reuse the old ones. The spaceplane that drops kinetic kill rods can be the Meteor.

[@blackhoundSSC]

"Qué buen video" (what a good video), that was my reaction at the end. This is all I needed to know.

[@mr.t-7243]

Do 5th gen jets have guns that can slightly deviate from perfectly straight? I mean, with how unstable jets are for maneuverability, it would be very difficult to get guns on target, so with a computer guided gun that can guide maybe 2 or 3 degrees from their original position so you don't have to be perfectly aligned with an enemy plane?

[@ArmorCast]

They can be angled upward by a couple of degrees, like a lot of fourth gen fighters' guns are, but they can't be moved mid flight

[@nickfury1279]

Modern fighters have computers on board to help keep them stable enough to fly anyway

[@jamesplacencia6741]

Keep it up bro Love these videos

[@TheKenji2221]

Interesting fact: The Rafale is also considered as a stealth fighter. The development started with the Rafale A, perfected with the C01 and is now standardized on every planes of the series. It isn't as stealth as the F-22 of course. But it's way more discreet than its counterparts. But it's also colder than the F-22. Which is quite useful

[@EEEEEEE354]

I question this "fact". I need an actual measure of temperature using the same IR cameras, because all footage of Rafale being "colder" were using a less sensitive IR camera. IF (and that's a big if!) It's colder than the F-22, that's because it's underpowered. It puts out a total of 34,000 pounds of thrust. The legacy F/A-18C has more thrust. 1 of the F-22's engines put out 35,000 pounds of thrust. 5th generation fighters like F-22 and F-35 still have far more advanced IR reduction, but the increased thrust requirements of actual 5th gen jets means an inherent increase in heat. The Rafale is not a stealth fighter. External carriage of weapons means its LO characteristics are too mild to be considered "stealth" by any metric. Rafale is overhyped to hell and back. It is not VLO by any metric. Look at it's flat AESA arrangement. This is horrible for RCS reduction and it's all because it's nose is too small.

[@laracroft938]

Definitely not colder than F-22. It doesn’t even have rectangular exhaust nozzle.

[@TheKenji2221]

@@EEEEEEE354 You can easily find IR footages of these 2 planes. The F-22 body is overall hotter than the Rafale. Especially around the weapons bays. Take it or leave it. I sincerely don't care

[@EEEEEEE354]

@@TheKenji2221 I have easily found IR footage of these 2 planes. What I'm saying is you are wrong because they use 2 different types of IR cameras. The F-22 is not hotter overall. So yeah, I'll leave it, because your statement is nonsense.

[@TheKenji2221]

@@EEEEEEE354 I didn't see your nickname. No need to waste my time with you. Especially if you are defending an equally overhyped plane like the F-22. Enjoy your life

[@crispay8304]

Great video but it would be nice if the water mark in the top right was a bit smaller

[@ietsbram]

Every time someone mentions gen 4.5 I can't stop but feel like they are in denial that it's just the way cheaper but slightly less effective grippen compared to the f35

[@henryoshea4951]

???

[@TheKenji2221]

Or maybe it is just a transition between 4th gen and 5th gen ?

[@ietsbram]

@@TheKenji2221 .... If you are going to wipe out the borders between the generations, you shouldnt have a generational system.... So no

[@TheKenji2221]

@@ietsbram Dude. During the whole video they said the line between generations was already blurry enough to put jets between 2 gens. So I'm not "wiping out" anything, I'm just stating facts. Plus the "generational system" is just mostly marketing and political bs. From a strategic point of view you don't care if your fancy new F-35 is the top notch 5th gen with all the shinnies and bs. All you want to know is what it can and can't do and that stops there. They don't care about giving fancy gens to their fighters other than for communicating with the public. You can compare fighter gens with music categories (metal, rock, blues, etc...) They have some defining characteristics to identify musics and put them in boxes. But some musics are between two or more categories. It's all the same

[@ietsbram]

@@TheKenji2221 just no

[@martinduncan3938]

Harriers may have "Pedestrian speeds" though they do things that no other jet can be proven to do to the same effect, consistently.

[@The_notorious_justin]

Who’s here after top gun 😂

[@hui975]

I watch tg maverick everyday. Cures my depression

[@yoimprok]

Great video, one add-on! The MiG-21 is considered a fourth gen as well, when you look at the Indian Bison and Romanian Lancer upgrades.

[@DannyHeywood]

When you say the F35 does not have Thrust Vectoring Capability in 'Normal Flight' does that mean it does in Super-Cruise somehow?

[@ArmorCast]

What I'm referring to is the F-35B's VTOL thrust vectoring, which it can only do specifically for takeoffs and landings, but not in regular flight

[@johnpaulbacon8320]

Cargo planes would make another good choice for a future video.

[@dumitrescuadrian6594]

I swear he gets more scottish by the video

[@MistorGator13]

Thank you for this. I DID want to know.

[@anthonygaiman4815]

Best like to dislike ratio on a military aircraft video

[@montecorbit8280]

At 14:22 Thrust vectoring.... I believe the mig 35 and su-27 had thrust vectoring as well....

[@ArmorCast]

Su-27 doesn’t, but Su-35 and some Su-30 variants do. MiG-35 I’m not 100% on, but MiG-29M2 does

[@spartanx9293]

9:25 yeah they overdid it attempting any super maneuverable maneuvers while weighed down with a full combat load is going to f*** your aircraft up

[@nucleargandhi101]

Amazing content. Your articulating and accent make the content more amazing.