What are the best combat aircraft? The most powerful fighter in the world. The fastest plane in the world

In the modern civilized world, military conflicts are rare, but if they arise, then a huge advantage will be on the side of the country that has more power aerial technology . This is not at all strange, because flying combat vehicles are capable of causing irreparable damage to the enemy. It is for this reason that the military aviation of each country equips its arsenal with aircraft capable of destroying ground threats instantly.

Millions aircraft designers compete with each other, who will create the best fighter in the world, paying great attention to even the smallest details. In order to understand which of the fighter aircraft existing today really deserves the title of best, you should pay attention to the criteria, which are put in front of the ideal combat aircraft.

Criteria for modern fighter aircraft

The decisive step in military operations, as the practice of the wars in Korea, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Iraq and other countries shows, is aviation. In order to determine which fighter is capable of bringing victory to its country, it is necessary to take a more detailed look at the operational characteristics and features of each of the contenders.

It is possible to understand which fighter is better only by observing a real collision between them, but such a development of events is unlikely, since all problems and disagreements are resolved peacefully. There are, of course, a number of criteria that, according to experts, are the main ones. So, the important features of aircraft are:

• fighter speed;
• its survivability;
• set of weapons;
• maneuverability in the air;
• detection protection;
• flight length and duration.

The criteria that an ideal military aircraft must have are constantly changing, as each new model is modified and re-equipped. Unfortunately, in order to gain experience and understand what exactly is needed to create a powerful fighter, you have to pay - the size of human lives.

Features of the most famous cars of our time

As you know, each “air fighter” has several of its own characteristics, which we will now try to figure out, and at the end we will sum up the results and make assumptions about who can really be among the top 10 best fighters in the world. For comparison, we selected representatives of various manufacturing countries, but Russian and American developers are still in the lead in the top.

• F-22 raptor;
• Su-35S;
• F-35 Lightnig;
• T-50;
• Messershmitt Me.262 "Schwalbe";
• Mig 25;
• British Aerospace Sea Harrier;
• Mitsubishi A6M;
• F-16 Fighting Falcon;
• German Typhoon;
• Gripen;
• Rafale;
• F-15 Eagle.

F-22 Raptor

Let's start with the development of a well-known company called Lockheed Martin - the F-22 Raptor.

F-22 Raptor

This model is the most expensive fighter in the world. A total of 145 such combat vehicles were produced. This is the only multi-role aircraft of its kind that can reach speeds greater than Mach 1.5 without afterburner. It is equipped with two engines, so it has a large . As the saying goes: “Whoever finds the enemy faster wins the fight.” Thanks to the Stealth technology the fighter is equipped with, it is less noticeable in the air.

Video about the F-22 Raptor aircraft:

We identified the Su-35S as the second contender for the title of best.

This is a combat vehicle that most consider the most powerful development belonging to the 4++ class.

Su-35S

The only factor that separates the Su-35 from the fifth generation of aircraft is the lack of Stealth technology. But despite this, the fighter includes several types of weapons:

• guided air-to-ground missile bombardment;
• unguided rocket;
• guided air-to-air missile;
• small arms and cannon bombardment;
• bomb.

In order for the fighter to operate autonomously in situations in which there is no connection with satellite navigation systems, and for the pilot to maintain contact with ground services, it is equipped with an inertial electronic navigation system BINS-SP2. A feature of this model, as experts note, is its maneuverability. It is capable of making a turn in a horizontal plane without significantly reducing flight speed. Maximum speed at high altitude it is 2500 kilometers per hour. Flight range - 3600 kilometers.

Video about the Su-35S aircraft:

F-35 Lightning

This is a fifth-generation combat air vehicle, which is equipped with one Pratt & Whitney engine.

F-35 Lightning

The power plant for this model was developed by Rolls-Royce employees. There are three types of modifications to the F-35 Lightning fighter:

• F-35A - standard development;
• F-35B - a version of the fighter with a vertical landing and a significantly shortened takeoff;
• F-35C is a version designed for carrier-based aviation, catapult-type takeoff, landing - aerofinisher.

A special feature of the F-35 Lightning is its unique pilot helmet. It is still under development, but its functionality is simply amazing. Thanks to modern innovative technologies, the pilot can see through the cockpit of a fighter even in the infrared range. The crew's visors are supplied with all the most necessary navigation information for combat. Capable of reaching speeds of 1900 km per hour.

Video about the F-35 Lightning aircraft:

T-50

It can claim a place in the line of the best, it is still in development, the start of its production is planned for 2015.

T-50

The main thing should be a large radius of destruction. The fighter's combat arsenal will include high-precision weapons and a radar with a phased array antenna. The take-off weight of the fighter is 20 tons. It reaches speeds of up to 2.5 M. average speed- 2600 kilometers per hour.

Video about the T-50 aircraft:

Messershmitt Me.262 "Schwalbe"

This is the world's first combat fighter that was capable of reaching 900 km per hour.

Messershmitt Me.262

Its onboard weapons include four 30-mm cannons with hundreds of shells, as well as 24 unguided missiles.

Video about the Messershmitt Me.262 “Schwalbe” aircraft:

Mig 25

The development of Soviet scientists, which has come a long way to perfection and now belongs to the fifth generation.

Mig 25

This supersonic interceptor at one time set 29 records. In reconnaissance mode, the aircraft becomes much lighter and accelerates to 2.8 M. A special feature of the fighter is its ability to catch more than 2 tons of bombs in flight.

Video about the Mig 25 aircraft:

British Aerospace Sea Harrier

Fighter vertical type takeoff and the same landing.

This aircraft has been in service for a long time now. Marine Corps in USA.

British Aerospace Sea Harrier in the sky

The secret to the development was the creation of a lifting rod, on which British aircraft designers worked for many years. The developers used a single power unit - Rolls-Royce Pegasus with deflectable thrust vector.

Video about the British Aerospace Sea Harrier aircraft:

Mitsubishi A6M

They call it a “mystery plane”, since the Mitsubishi developers managed to combine the incongruous - maneuverability and a record flight range for a fighter, amounting to 2600 km when equipped with 2.5 tons.

Mitsubishi A6M

Mitsubishi A6M is the embodiment of the samurai spirit, which with its appearance despises everything connected with it. This can be understood by the fact that the Japanese-made fighter is completely devoid of armor.

Video about the Mitsubishi A6M aircraft:

F-16 Fighting Falcon

It has a huge advantage in optical visibility, as it is equipped with a non-binding flashlight.

F-16 Fighting Falcon

The fighter's turn speed is 21.5 degrees per second. In a second, the fighter gains a height of 294 meters. This is a pretty good indicator. The F-16 Fighting Falcon is equipped with a huge set of weapons; it is capable of using unguided and guided missiles, as well as anti-radar missiles in combat.

Video about the F-16 Fighting Falcon:

F-15 Eagle

According to the BBC, this is a real “killer”; during its history, it brought 104 victories without a single defeat.

F-15 Eagle

No one managed to shoot down this air machine. None of the existing fighters today can boast of such a performance as the F-15 Eagle. The fighter model is capable of conducting active combat even in extreme conditions- V daytime or at night, in any unforeseen meteorological conditions, at low altitudes and high ones.

Video about the F-15 Eagle aircraft:

J-10

It should also not be ignored, since Chinese aircraft designers did their best.

J-10

This fighter is called the "duck" because of its specific design. The horizontal rudder of the fighter is moved more forward and is located almost in front of the wing. When the pilot needs to point the plane upward, instead of the usual lowering, the aircraft's layout raises its nose and thereby increases its rate of climb. The tailless system of the J-10, with all its features, is aerodynamically unstable, especially when it comes to supersonic speeds. The crew of a fighter can consist of one or two people. There is a refueling function in flight mode.

Video about the J-10 aircraft:

German Typhoon

It amazes with the variety of materials from which it is made.

Typhoon

Carbon composite ribs, carbon composites, titanium, and even aluminum-lithium alloys took part in the production. Stealth technology makes the aircraft visually invisible even at a short distance from the enemy. Armed with a Mauser VK27 cannon, as well as air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles.

Video about the Typhoon aircraft:

Gripen - Swedish fourth generation fighter

Today it is one of the main air combat vehicles of the country.

Gripen

This fighter is capable of flawlessly performing several combat missions simultaneously, namely, being an attack aircraft and a reconnaissance aircraft. Equipped with a Volvo Aero RM12 turbofan, thanks to which it is capable of a flight range of 2800 kilometers.

Video about the Gripen aircraft:

Rafale

It is a French combat aircraft that can perform a wide range of missions at short and long distances from the enemy, including flawlessly hitting its enemy both at sea and on land.

Rafale

The French government allocated 3 million euros for the development of this fighter. In March 2007, NATO adopted this fighter. It is equipped with a two-circuit turbojet engine. It develops a speed of 1900 kilometers per hour, the combat radius is 1800 kilometers.

Video about the Rafale aircraft:

Each war and air combat conflict introduces its own rules and features of combat operations, therefore, reading the characteristics of all the above air fighters, it is quite difficult to determine at first who is the leader among them. So far, the F-22 raptor takes the lead, but each of the fighters is constantly undergoing modifications and updates, so it changes very quickly. Today there are five generations of aircraft, the sixth generation, which will have even greater innovations, is still under development and completely classified. How the sixth generation fighter will surprise the world, we can only guess.

Since the purpose of using aviation is not uniform, it would not be correct to name only one. We divide the concept of “best” into several categories: safe, expensive, fast and effective.

The best passenger aircraft

The Boeing 747 can easily be called the best passenger aircraft in history. This is not the safest, however, it is one of the most used and popular aircraft that still covers the airspace. Main features of the aircraft:

• It appeared back in 1969 and became the first to take flights to long-distance routes.
• More than 1.5 thousand copies have already been released.
• Cost - 260 million dollars.
• A distinctive feature is the “hump” of the upper deck.

But the Boeing 777, or as it is also called “Three Sevens,” as if, in accordance with its lucky name, is recognized as the safest aircraft in the world. Unfortunately, such a plane did crash in Ukraine in 2014, however, the fault was not in its design. This is a wide-body aircraft, the main features of which are:

• The longest flight in the air is 21,601 km of distance covered.
• Equipped with the world's most powerful General Electric GE90 jet engines.
• Costs about $300 million.
• Accommodates up to 550 passengers.
• Not a single passenger of the 3 Sevens died on board.

The most expensive planes in the world

Officially, the most expensive private jet is the Airbus A380, which rests in the Prince's hangar. Saudi Arabia Al-Walid bin Talal. This is a few controversial issue, since there are rumors about the cost of the Boeing 767 bought and converted by Abramovich, but let’s trust the facts.

The main characteristics of the expensive plane in the world:

• its cost is over half a million dollars;
• only 15-20 people can fit on board;
• this is a real house on wings: there are bedrooms, a bathhouse, GYM's, banquet rooms, etc.;
• the maximum distance covered is 15.4 thousand km.
• From these facts it is difficult to guess that this is also the most economical aircraft of similar size. In addition, it is one of the largest representatives of passenger carriers.

The most expensive military aircraft in the world

But the most expensive aircraft in the world is not a passenger aircraft - it is a bomber manufactured using stealth technologies. There are 20 of these in the world and all of them are in service with the United States. The main reason for the creation of the B-2 Spirit was the Cold War, and if it had not ended, there would have been more than a hundred such deadly carriers of nuclear and simple weapons, as you see in the photo above. The unit cost is 2.1 billion dollars! Each plane is named after some geographical feature, and the first is called the Spirit of America.

The fastest plane in the world

The best planes can't help but fly fast. Of course, production samples will not soon reach record speeds, but individual experimental cases prove that humanity can do anything. Thus, developed in the USA, the X-15 rocket plane was able to reach a speed of 7272 km/h, piloted by Joe Walker. The active flight that day in 1963 was only 85.8 seconds, but this was enough to reach an altitude of more than 107 km. The main task of this super-high-speed rocket is to study the capabilities of winged vehicles on the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere and space.

Also owned by American developers is the X-43A, developed by NASA specialists. The maximum speed achieved by this drone is 11,200 km/h, which is currently an official record. It was possible to achieve such indicators only the third time. During the attempts, 2 planes sank in Pacific Ocean to avoid collision with land.

The best military aircraft

The legend of the USSR, still in service in Russia, Kazakhstan and China, is the MiG-31. It is not always included in ratings of the best fighters, however, it is one of those models that has proven itself in practice, and not in theory. Main features of a supersonic interceptor:

• flight range - from 2.2 to 2.48 km;
• capable of intercepting missiles;
• the only fighter that independently uses missiles that have a long range;
• equally effective in any weather conditions and time of day.

Interestingly, 4 such interceptors are enough to control the air over a distance of 900 km. This device was used initially for testing, later for combat duty near Sakhalin Island and for combat purposes during Chechen war. More than 500 units have been produced so far.

The real threat to other aircraft is posed by the European fighter Eurofighter Typhoon, or Typhoon. Its main disadvantage is its helplessness in attacking terrestrial targets, however, as regards air defense, it is by far the best device for achieving such strategic tasks. The cost of eliminating air threats is $120 million and is currently equipping the air forces of England, Germany, Spain and Italy, Austria, Saudi Arabia and Oman. The high cost, in comparison with other fourth-class fighters, is associated with the use of radio-absorbing materials in the design.

Military experts are constantly debating which aircraft is better: the Typhoon or the Russian Su-35? In order not to offend either of these two masterpieces of aircraft construction, the Russian super-maneuverable crew is also included in the ranking of the best aircraft. Its advantage over the European fighter is its universal application: the Su-35 is ready to protect both the air and the ground. In addition, its turbojet engine allows it to reach supersonic speeds without using afterburner, which theoretically allows this device to enter the fifth generation. A total of 34 such fighters were produced. A very strong advantage of the presented lethal work of art is its maneuverability - vector engines literally allow the Su-35 to dance in the air, gliding and rotating in one place.

• This is the only fifth-generation fighter in service (US Air Force).
• This is the most expensive military aircraft - almost more than 146 million dollars.
• Flies at supersonic speeds.
• Covered with radio-absorbing materials.
• Universal.

The leader of our rating was used in battle only once, in Syria. There are many rumors around the only representative of the fifth generation about its high cost and low adaptability to bad weather conditions, but there is no factual evidence of this.

Beginning with World War II, and perhaps also during the armed conflicts that preceded it, such as the wars in Spain and Abyssinia, the decisive role of aviation in the outcome of military operations became obvious. Air superiority determines success. Then there were Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq, the Middle East, Iraq again and many other local clashes that confirmed great importance aircraft in combat. Without the ability to effectively resist the actions of assault and bomber aviation the enemy has no chance of winning. And for this we need air defense systems and special types of aircraft that have a number of special qualities, such as speed, maneuverability and low vulnerability.

Ideas about what the best fighter should be have changed over the years. The metamorphoses of this type of military equipment were influenced by both developing technologies and experience gained at the cost of great sacrifices.

Thirties-forties, era of propeller-driven fighters

The I-16 performed well in the skies of Spain. As of 1936, it was perhaps the best fighter in the world. In its design, engineers from Polikarpov's bureau used the latest technical solutions, revolutionary for that time. It was the first production model with retractable landing gear, a powerful engine and weapons (including the possibility of installing unguided rockets). But the dominance of “Chatos” (“Snub-nosed” - as the Republicans called it for its wide hood profile) did not last long. The German Messerschmitt 109 appeared in the sky, which underwent several modifications throughout the Second World War. Only a few aircraft similar in class and engine power could compete with it, including the English Spitfire and the American Mustang, developed somewhat later.

However, with all the outstanding technical characteristics, it is very difficult to select a comprehensive criterion in order to determine the best aircraft. A fighter, it turns out, can also be different, and it needs to be assessed according to many parameters.

Fifties, Korea

In the post-war period, the countdown of generations of fighter aircraft began with the advent. The first of them includes the initial developments of engineers around the world, created back in the mid-forties. For us it was a MiG-9, whose parameters were not far removed from the Messerschmitt-262. Already during this time, the Americans were shocked by an unpleasant surprise for them.

Swift, compact and very maneuverable, the MiG-15 crushed seemingly unshakable power strategic aviation USA. The second generation began with this MiG. At that time it was the best fighter in the world, and it took time to create a worthy rival for it, which was the Saber.

Sixties, Vietnam and the Middle East

Then there were two lifelong rivals, the Phantom and the MiG-21, circling in the sky in “dog fights.” These planes were very different in size, weight, and level of armament. The American F-4 weighed twice as much as the Soviet interceptor, was less maneuverable, but had a number of advantages in long-range combat.

It is difficult to determine which of the best fighters fought in the skies of Vietnam, but the overall score was in favor of the MiG. One should also take into account the fact that at comparable prices, the Soviet aircraft was much (several times) cheaper, moreover, in the event of an unfavorable outcome of the battle, the Americans lost two pilots, not one. Both of these aircraft belonged to the third generation of aircraft. Meanwhile, progress continued, and increasingly stringent requirements were placed on interceptors.

Fourth generation, starting in the seventies

Since 1970, the development of fighter aircraft production has followed new main lines. Avionics has become not just a means to help the pilot detect enemies and solve navigation problems; it has taken on a number of control functions. Visibility has become extremely important aircraft for enemy radars. Engine parameters have changed, and the thrust vector has become variable, which forced us to radically reconsider the concept of maneuverability. Determining which is the best fighter of the fourth generation is not so easy; opinions on this matter are divided. The American F-15 has its supporters, especially in the West, and they have their own arguments, the main one of which is successful experience combat use"Orla". Others believe that the fourth generation of the best fighter in the world is the Russian-made Su-27.

Generation after generation

Generations of jet interceptors are separated from each other by several criteria: development time, shape and type of wing, information richness and some other criteria, but it is not always easy to draw a clear line between them; it remains conditional. For example, a deep modification of the MiG-21 has improved its characteristics so much that it can be approximately considered a fourth generation aircraft in almost all indicators of combat effectiveness.

Direction of design thought

Fifth generation interceptors today form the backbone of Russia and other technologically advanced countries. They are able to perform various combat missions, protect the airspace of their states, they are sold within the framework of military-technical cooperation to strategic partners. But work on new projects is ongoing. Promising examples of the latest aircraft technology have some features that distinguish them from previous models, which gives reason to believe that the turn of the fifth generation has come. Its features include low radar signature, expressed in the desire to remove all types of weapons previously placed on external slings and the technology of radio-absorbing surfaces, which the Americans called “Stealth”. In addition, all the latest achievements in the field of aircraft engine construction, rudders and control systems also indicate that the aircraft belongs to the latest generation. It is also important to use composite materials in the design, which reduces weight and, again, increases stealth. This is exactly what the best fighter in the world should be today. The photo of such an aircraft is recognizable, the outlines of the fuselage and planes are somewhat angular, the engines leave an inconspicuous contrail, and the injectors have a fairly high angle of possible rotation.

"Raptor"

In some ways they are subtly similar, although the general layout diagrams and technical parameters differ significantly. These include, first of all, the Raptor F-22. Experts, mainly American, believe that this is the best fighter in the world. The main argument in favor of this opinion is the fact that the Raptor is the only mass-produced and adopted vehicle in the world that meets the requirements for a fifth-generation interceptor. All other similar models, including Russian ones, are under development and refinement. There is also an important factor that allows us to doubt the correctness of this opinion. The fact is that the F-22 has never participated in combat operations, and how it will behave in a real battle is unknown. At one time, the American military-industrial complex widely advertised the Bi-2 stealth bomber, and then it turned out that even outdated Soviet radars, which were in service with the Yugoslav army, were quite capable of detecting it.

What about us?

Russia, of course, does not ignore US attempts to achieve military hegemony. We are planning to create an aircraft capable of fighting the most advanced interceptor of a potential enemy. They planned to “put it on the wing” back in 2005, but difficulties prevented it mainly economic nature. IN developed countries It usually takes a decade and a half to create a similar model and put it into service, and the Sukhoi Design Bureau received the technical specifications in 1999. Simple calculations suggest that the date when the Russian Air Force will receive the best fighter in the world is 2014 or 2015.

Little is known about him. They called the project not just an airplane or an interceptor, but a Frontline Aviation Complex. (PAKFA - “P” stands for promising, “A” - aviation, some tautology is forgivable for aircraft designers.) Take-off weight is approximately 20 tons, like the American F-22 and the F-35, which has not yet been adopted for service. Tactical characteristics allow the vehicle to be used from small airborne areas; low radio signature technology is used. Naturally, the electronic equipment is the most modern. It is likely that this will be the best fighter in the world. T-50 is another name for the PAKFA platform; it is possible that these working codes will give way to the classic designation “Su” with some number.

China

Our Chinese friends for a long time did not bother with the task of developing their own aircraft. Usually in the PRC they chose a good Soviet model that had gained good reputation, purchased technical documentation and produced it under their own index, consisting of the letter Y (for civilians) or J (for military) and a number. However, the economic boom of recent decades, which has turned China into a global universal workshop, has pushed the people's aircraft industry to start working on their own projects. Perhaps the J-10 is not the best fighter in the world, but all known technical specifications for this aircraft indicate that it is a machine on the verge of IV and V generations with the possibility of further modification. The original solution to the general layout scheme (delta-shaped canard without a classic tail) eloquently says that this time Chinese aircraft manufacturers did without external borrowings, showing their own approach.

Top hit parade

The history of world aviation is rich outstanding achievements. Just listing the interceptor aircraft, which became masterpieces of engineering, would take up too much space. How to choose the best fighter from them? Among the successful models, one cannot help but recall the La-5 and La-7, the Airacobra, on which I.N. Kozhedub and A.I. Pokryshkin fought, the French Mirage, the Swedish Saabs, the English Lightning and many other powerful and beautiful cars. The task is complicated by the fact that no matter how perfect he was, there was almost always a worthy opponent. Therefore, it makes sense to present the conditional rating of the most outstanding interceptors in pairs:

1. Messerschmitt 109 and Spitfire. During the Second World War soviet planes were good, but they lacked powerful engines, so they ended up outside the top list.
2. MiG-15 and Saber F-86. They fought a lot with each other in Korea.
3. "Phantom" F-4 and Mig-21. Vietnam, the Middle East and other military conflicts have indicated strong and weak sides these very different aircraft.
4. "Eagle" F-15 vs Su-27. The Eagle has a very good reputation for its successful deployment in modern theaters of war. Sukhoi is not inferior to it in most technical and tactical indicators, and in some it is superior, but combat experience it is not enough for him to absolutely win the competition for the title of “the best fighter in the world.” 2014 was marked by the acceptance into combat units Russian Air Force dozens of Su-35S aircraft, which are a deeply modernized version of the Su-27.
5. T-50 and Raptor. The opponents appear to be quite worthy. It would be better for them not to meet in air battles, but if this does happen in the future, there is a high probability that our car will not fail.

What will be the best fighter in the world of the 21st century? One can only guess what new concepts the aircraft design engineers of the future will come up with. The century has just begun, and by all indications it will be turbulent...

From the first steps of mankind in conquering the skies, the world has constantly observed the evolution of military aviation. Fighters have always come to the rescue in military and local conflicts, performing the most complex operations. Today, this type of aircraft has reached an incredibly high point of progress in its development. Nowadays, no one can be surprised by the ability of a person to be in the air, but the high technology, colossal combat equipment of combat fighters and the mass of opportunities that open up before them really amaze the mind and excite the imagination. The wealth of power and variety of these combat vehicles encourages the creation rating of the best fighters in the world.

10. Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet

Opens the top 10 best Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters. It is in service with the US Army and is a carrier-based fighter-bomber and attack aircraft. Combat vehicles of this type are very popular for placement on aircraft carriers. This fighter is equipped with a 6-barreled cannon that is capable of firing at a rate of 6,000 rounds per minute. Nine external mounts allow the aircraft to be equipped with a wide range of different weapons, including: missiles - simple and laser-guided, many types of bombs, as well as weapons that allow effective fight against enemy ships, and a system that prevents the aircraft from being tracked on radar.

9. Saab JAS 39 Gripen

The Swedish army has been in service with the Saab JAS 39 Gripen combat fighter for thirty years now, which ranks 9th in our ranking. Its first demonstration flight took place in the 88th year of the last century. Today, this combat vehicle is equipped with some of the best technologies peace. The fourth generation fighter was created specifically for effective combat operations in the Scandinavian terrain - limited plains and harsh weather. The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is armed with a 30mm cannon, various types of bombs (depending on need), several types of missiles (guided and unguided).

8. MIG-35

Russian military genius air weapons– MIG-35 fighter. This aircraft is planned to be put into service only this year (2018), but it has already established itself as one of the best fighters, although it has not yet shown itself in combat. The MIG-35 surpassed its predecessor in many respects. Thus, this fighter consumes less fuel, the oxygen station produces more oxygen, and the duration of the autopilot during aiming is extended so that the pilot has more ability to accurately fire at the enemy. Among other things, Russian engineers managed to reduce the cost of producing a fighter; for comparison, the French side spends 2-3 times more money on creating aircraft of this type.

7. F-16 Fighting Falcon

The seventh place in the fighter rating is occupied by the American F-16 Fighting Falcon. At one time, this combat vehicle was a leader among the most popular in the world - the low cost of its production and high performance quality characteristics allowed US military factories to produce these vehicles in large quantities for export to other countries. There are currently over 4,700 F-16 Fighting Falcons worldwide. These combat vehicles have proven themselves in more than a hundred combat operations around the world.

6. Eurofighter Typhoon

The Eurofighter Typhoon combat fighter is the brainchild of four EU countries, which has proven its effectiveness in real armed conflicts. One of the main advantages of this aircraft is the ability to interfere with enemy radars, which makes it possible to adjust the flight of guided missiles. This, first of all, influenced the fact that the Eurofighter Typhoon became very “survivable” - getting into a fighter with such a system is quite difficult. The Typhoon also surpasses its counterparts in firing range (by as much as 100 km). Today there are about five hundred such fighters in the world, and each combat vehicle is manufactured using unique technology.

5. Dassault Rafale

The list of the most powerful fighters also includes the pride of the French armed forces - the Dassault Rafale. The creators claim that the only factor that hinders the incredible rise of this combat vehicle is its high cost. The Dassault Rafale has been in service with the French army for 50 years; it has shown itself excellently in armed conflicts several times. However, today this fighter is used only for training and demonstration flights. Also, its name often appeared in plane crashes, but the French side argued each time that the reason for this was the human factor.

4. Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II

Another development of the US Air Force was the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, designed to replace outdated aircraft of this generation. The fighter entered service with both the US Navy and ground forces– it is actively used on fleet aircraft carriers due to the short takeoff run during takeoff and braking during landing. Also, the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is capable of vertical takeoff. After the development and release of the fighter into mass production it was exported to other countries around the world, the first of which was Great Britain. The aircraft is equipped with advanced electronics and powerful weapons.

3. Su-35S

One of the best Russian fighters is in third place in the rating. The Su-35S made its first combat flight in 2008. Based on its qualitative characteristics, the fighter can be classified as the 5th generation. US analysts have dubbed the Su-35S the most dangerous and deadly model ever created in the USSR and Russia. Today, some of the characteristics and combat capabilities of the fighter are kept in the strictest secrecy by the armed forces, so it is not yet possible to fully assess its combat potential.

2. Su-57

A completely new achievement of the domestic military industry is the Su-57. The fifth generation fighter is recognized by domestic designers as the best fighter Russian aviation. Today, this combat vehicle is on the same level as the American Raptor. Main feature The Su-57 is capable of fighting several opponents at once, who can be both in the air and on the ground. Currently, designers are working on improved camouflage for the fighter. The aircraft is equipped with world-leading electronics and incredibly lethal weapons.

1. Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor

On the first line of the rating " best fighters World" is the American Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor. In fact, it shares the palm with the Russian Su-57. Raptor is a 5th generation fighter, presented to the public in the second half of 1990. It is capable of performing many purposes and combat missions. At the moment, the Raptor is recognized as an advanced development by American designers in this area. Among the advantages of the combat vehicle is complete invisibility to enemy radars. The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is characterized as a fighter with high maneuverability, low fuel consumption and a relatively low weight. Only two cases of loss of these fighters in combat operations have been recorded.

More than a hundred years ago, humanity discovered the third dimension - the Wright brothers' plane took to the skies. It didn't take long and air ocean turned into another battlefield - combat aviation became a significant factor seriously influencing the outcome of ground operations.

First combat aviation began to be used en masse during the First World War. At first, military aircraft were unarmed; they were mainly used for aerial reconnaissance and bombing (if this term can be used to describe manually dropping various explosive objects on the enemy’s heads). The very idea of ​​air combat seemed absurd and impossible to many. However, machine guns were soon installed on airplanes, fighter planes appeared, and fierce battles unfolded in the skies.

The period between the two world conflicts saw military aviation develop rapidly - combat aircraft became faster, more powerful, more deadly.

9. “Ilya Muromets”

In ninth place in the top 10 is the legendary multi-engine aircraft created in Russia on the eve of the First World War. After its start, Ilya Muromets became the world's first heavy bomber. This aircraft set several records for flight range and payload. “Ilya Muromets” became the first successful project of the brilliant Kiev resident Igor Sikorsky.

A total of 76 units of this aircraft of various modifications were built. After the outbreak of the First World War, a special squadron was created, consisting of heavy bombers"Ilya Muromets". The latest modifications of this aircraft could carry about 1,500 kg of bombs - unheard of power for that time. In addition to bombs, defensive weapons were also installed on the Ilya Muromets - from two to six machine guns.

The remaining countries participating in the First World War quickly appreciated Russia's successful experience - soon heavy multi-engine bombers appeared in service with France, Germany, and Great Britain.

Igor Sikorsky did not accept the revolution and emigrated from Russia to the USA.

8. Junkers Ju 87 "Stuka".

In eighth place in the top 10 is the single-engine German dive bomber Ju-87, one of the most famous combat aircraft of the Second World War. It became a symbol of the German Blitzkrieg in Western Europe and on the Eastern Front.

This aircraft had a non-retractable landing gear (Soviet soldiers called it “laptezhnik”), which significantly worsened its aerodynamics and reduced its speed, but the Ju 87 had no equal in bombing accuracy. Several innovative ideas were used in the design of the Stuka (air brakes, siren), thanks to which the aircraft became so effective. However, after the loss of air supremacy by German aviation, the Yu-87 became an easy target for enemy fighters.

7. IL-2

In seventh place in the top 10 is another legendary combat vehicle from the Second World War - the Soviet attack aircraft Il-2. Luftwaffe fighter pilots called this attack aircraft the “concrete plane,” and the German infantry called it the “Black Death” or “plague.”

Serial production of the Il-2 began on the very eve of the Great Patriotic War, at the beginning of 1941. In total, Soviet industry produced more than 36 thousand units of this machine.

The IL-2 had several innovative solutions in its design, the main one of which was the inclusion of armor directly into the power circuit of the aircraft. Before this, armor was also used to enhance the protection of aircraft, but it was simply hung on top of the hull, which significantly made the structure heavier.

Despite the high security of the aircraft, the losses of these aircraft in the first months of the war were very significant. There is information that pilots were awarded the title of Hero Soviet Union for ten successful combat missions on the Il-2 (according to another version, for thirty).

6. Hawker Siddeley Harrier

In sixth place in the top 10 is the British vertical take-off and landing aircraft Hawker Siddeley Harrier. This vehicle first took to the skies in 1966 and gave rise to a whole family of combat vehicles that are still in service with the US Navy and several other countries around the world.

In the 60s, the idea of ​​​​creating an aircraft that could take off and land without a run-up (VTOL) was very popular. However, developing and manufacturing such a machine turned out to be very difficult. The British turned out to be the most successful; their aircraft could not only operate without a runway, but also effectively perform the functions of a combat aircraft. Hawkers took part in the Falkland Islands War and showed their worth with best side. The main reason for the British success was the excellent Rolls-Royce engine.

The USSR also built VTOL aircraft, but the Soviet Yak-38 turned out to be an unsuccessful machine.

5. MiG-15

This fighter is one of the most famous Soviet aircraft in the West. It was created in the late 40s, had a large number of modifications, produced under Soviet license in several countries around the world. The MiG-15 first appeared in the skies of Korea and created a real sensation in the West. Until this point, Soviet technology had been considered backward and outdated, but this fighter jet became a cold shower for Western strategists.

The Americans were preparing an armada of strategic bombers to attack nuclear strikes across the territory of the USSR, but acquaintance with the MiG-15 made it clear that the chances of breaking through the barrier of Soviet fighters were minimal.

The main opponent of the MiG-15 in the Korean skies was the American F-86 Saber fighter, however, according to most experts, soviet car superior to her opponent.

4. B-17 “Flying Fortress”

In fourth place in the top 10 is another World War II aircraft – the American B-17 strategic bomber. It was developed in 1934 and almost immediately became a legend. It was the first American production all-metal strategic bomber.

He carried out bombing attacks on German cities and took part in combat operations in the Pacific Ocean. Four engines provided the B-17 with a speed of over 500 km/h and a service ceiling of over 10 km, and nine (later twelve) 12.7 mm machine guns made this bomber a very difficult opponent for any fighter.

In addition, the B-17 was distinguished by fantastic reliability. There are documented cases where a plane returned to base with one engine running, with huge holes in the fuselage or with virtually no tail.

3. Su-27

2. F-15 Eagle

In second place is the main potential enemy of the Su-27 - the American F-15 Eagle air superiority aircraft. This machine also belongs to the fourth generation of fighters, but it took off about ten years before the Su-27. This aircraft is still in service with the US Air Force, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Japan. Having participated in several armed conflicts, the Eagle has over a hundred confirmed victories in aerial combat without a single loss - this is a real killer. The F-15 Eagle fought in the skies of Yugoslavia, Syria and Iraq. According to statements by the military of these countries, the Americans lost more than ten F-15 units. However, the problem is that no one has ever been able to provide the F-15 Eagle wreckage as evidence.

Several modifications have been developed on the basis of this fighter; the F-15E Stike Eagle is considered the most advanced.

1. F-22 Raptor

Our top 10 is headed by the first (and so far only) fifth-generation serial fighter - the American F-22 Raptor. This aircraft is capable of reaching supersonic speed without turning on the afterburner, it is made using stealth technology, has very advanced on-board electronics and a phased array radar.

It should be noted that the F-22 Raptor, part of the US Air Force, is superior to other fighters not only in its performance, but also in price: the cost of one vehicle is more than $146 million. Currently, only Americans can afford such expenses. Fifth generation fighters are being developed in both China and Russia. The projects are still at the testing stage.

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