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> modern fighter like the F-16 Modern fighter? Having first flown in 1974 (46 years ago), it is actually closer to B-17 - first flight in 1935 (39 years prior)
by Andrew_nenakhov 6y ago
> modern fighter like the F-16
Modern fighter? Having first flown in 1974 (46 years ago), it is actually closer to B-17 - first flight in 1935 (39 years prior) - than to us.
- greedo 6y agoI think that using fourth and fifth generation to describe aircraft is better, especially when you combine it with production status. For example, both the SU-27 and F-16 are clearly fourth generation, and both currently in production. Same with the F-15. They may have origins that are quite a long time ago, but they're still effective aircraft in many scenarios. Fifth generation would be F-22, F-35, J-20, FC-31, and if you want to be generous, the Su-57. Stealth is the primary attribute, though supercruise is sometimes considered a key attribute as well.
- justin66 6y agoI wouldn't argue for or against the use of the term "modern" to describe the F-16 since that's the most boring thing ever, but it is the most common fighter in service today, with multiple active production lines.