When INDIA comes in the Big Picture

Most of the fighter planes fans must be knowing about the amazing developmets in aircrafts which lead to them being classified under different Generations. A brief explanation, however, is as below.

The main developments in the basic models which proved to be major breakthroughs in the development of an Ultimate Fighters were visible in a few parts of the aircraft. The history of change in the design of the wings is as below;

Wings

1st gen. aircrafts had UNSWEPT  wings, i.e, straight wings which could reach only subsonic speeds (less than speed of sound). Eg. Me262A.

 ME 262

2nd gen. aircrafts had been crafted with advanced aerodynamics, giving them SWEPT wings for the first time in avation history, making them stable supersonic jets. Eg. MiG 21 (yes the downscale version of the infamous aircrafts which forms I.A.Fs major fleet even now).

 MiG 21 WELL!!!

3rd gen. aircrafts had advanced swept wings but this was the time when canards, powered slats etc, were introduced in the aircrafts. Eg. F 111

4th gen. fighters showed variable geometry wings which concentrated on sophisticated avionics which allowed aircrafts to showcase their exceptional stealth and maneuvering ability. India's frontliner aircraft Sukhoi Su-30 MKI is a 4th gen aircraft which will be upgraded by 2012 into a 4.5th gen aircraft.

 EUROFIGHTER TYPHOON showcasing delta wings.

 Su-30 MKI

5th gen. aircrafts.

This deserves special attention. The only 5th gen aircrafts presently in use are F-22 Raptor and F-35 Lightning II.

BUT, India and Russia in a joint venture have started to work  on their own 5th gen aircraft which, in India, will be referred to as FGFA ( Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft).

The total approximate cost is a mammoth Rs. 11,053,675,000,000.

The aircrafts is developed from the Sukhoi PAK FA and is a tough competitor of Raptor