Even during the First World War, it became clear that the use of aircraft in hostilities greatly increases the chances of victory, and without the development of military aviation it is impossible to create a powerful, combat-ready army. Today, various aircraft modifications are on combat duty of the leading countries of the world. But consider in the article the most common types of aircraft - fighters, and find out which is the best fighter in the world. And for a start, let's take a look at history.
Junkers D.I. Germany
The first all-metal fighter in the world made its first flight on September 17, 1917, and in 1918 entered service with the German army.
The first fighter in the world could reach speeds of up to 176 km / h, and its ceiling had a height of 6,000 m. Out of armament, two fixed Spandau firing systems were installed on it.
One copy of Junkers D.I., exhibited at the Le Bourget aviation exhibition, has survived to this day.
Imagine the 10 best fighters in the world ...
10
Chengdu J-10. China
In the West, the Chinese multi-purpose all-weather fighter is respectfully called the "Swift Dragon."
The 4th generation military equipment entered service in 2005, and to date, 300 combat vehicles have left the assembly lines of aircraft plants. In addition to China, it is also used by the army of Pakistan.
The cruising speed of the J-10 is 1,100 km / h, and the combat radius is 800 km. An on-board computer is installed in the cockpit, ensuring flight stability.
9
MiG-35. Russia
In 2016, the MiG Design Bureau introduced the world a new Russian fighter, whose tactical and technical characteristics are closest to the 5th generation models.
In the West, the Russian novelty was dubbed the "fulcrum." The minimum speed on the afterburner is slightly less than 200 km / h, so that the aircraft with modern capabilities can perform complex combat missions, literally hovering in the air.
Now work is underway to create a deck model MiG-35. capable of taking off from the deck of an aircraft carrier.
8
Eurofighter Typhoon. Germany
The development of a completely new model of the aircraft began in the late 70s of the twentieth century, and the German “Typhoon” made its first flight only in 1996.
The design uses the latest world developments in aviation technology, which is why the aircraft accelerates to an altitude of up to 2,450 km / h.
In addition to standard armament with Mauser machine guns, missiles of various modifications can be located on the machine’s body.
7
Saab JAS 39 Gripen. Sweden
The tests of the Swedish fighter lasted almost 10 years, and in 1997 the light fighter JAS 39 Gripen entered service with the Swedish Air Force.
It is noteworthy that the JAS 39 Gripen is available in two versions: the first with one pilot, the second with two. Volvo Aero RM12 engine is installed on the machines, which allows a speed of 2,200 km / h.
A combat vehicle can easily perform several combat missions, from escorting battle groups to reconnaissance. It is successfully operated and abroad. Several cars were acquired by Hungary, the Czech Republic and South Africa.
6
Dassault Rafale. France
The name of this multifunctional fighter is translated from French as “Flurry”, and its first flight of a supersonic aircraft took place in 1986.
After many years of testing, Dassault Rafale joined the French Air Force and Navy in 2004, and even took part in hostilities in Afghanistan and the Middle East.
The design is made in the traditional “Dassault Aviation” style “duck”, with the use of additional front plumage.
5
F / A-18. USA
Top 5 is opened by American fighters, capable of taking off from the ground, as well as from the decks of aircraft carriers and to refuel in the air. Multifunctional combat vehicle entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1983.
These types of fighters participated in the fighting, proving their effectiveness and high performance characteristics. Apart from small arms, the aircraft is equipped with guided and unguided missiles.
The aircraft has a digital control system, and outboard fuel tanks have greatly expanded the range of the American device.
4
Su-30. USSR-Russia
In the presented photo, you can see how one of the best fighters of the Russian Federation looks, which began to be produced back in the Soviet period.
According to NATO classification, the Russian fighter was nicknamed “Flanker-C”. It can carry out various combat missions, and according to the complexity of the performed aerobatics, it does not differ in the world.
According to the reviews of pilots, the Su-30 is easily controlled, and instantly responds to the actions of the pilot. It entered service in 1992, and today it is exported to Asian countries, especially enjoying popularity in India.
3
Su-57. Russia
The last of the developed fighters in the glorious Sukhoi range began test flights in early 2010, and today the first aircraft are already entering the Russian Aerospace Forces.
The design is made as an integral glider, which significantly increases the maneuverability of the machine and its flight characteristics. The fighter is equipped with ultramodern weapons capable of hitting both air and ground targets.
The new Su-57 has a new radio electronics, significantly different from those installed on previous models of the Sukhoi Design Bureau.
2
F-22 Raptor. USA
The 5th generation multipurpose American fighter, whose name translates as "Predator", began to be operated in 2005.
The combat vehicle is highly maneuverable, speeds up to 2,410 km / h, which makes the F-22 one of the fastest. Among the shortcomings, experts note the high cost, as well as a small fuel supply.
In 2012, production was suspended, and after technical amendments, serial production began. In 2014, the F-22 went through baptism of fire, participating for the first time in hostilities against Islamists in Syria.
1
Su-35. Russia
Comparison of fighters is a thankless task, and it’s good that the modifications presented did not collide in an open confrontation.
But all experts agree that the development of Russian designers is the best fighter of this type in the world today. The Su-35s began to operate in 2014, and it has already proven itself in Syria in the fight against the militants of the Islamic state.
The world's best fighter is equipped with the latest weapons, and even when equipped, it is maneuverable, and most importantly it can reach speeds of up to 2,500 km / h.
The best fighters of the Second World War ...
We will return from modern devices several decades ago to the times of World War II. The conquest of dominance in the sky was the main guarantee of victory, and the belligerents tried to create effective air combat vehicles.
Yak-9. the USSR
Before the war, the Yakovlev Design Bureau produced only small sports aircraft, and in the autumn of 1942, the Yak-9, which became the most popular Soviet fighter during the war, took to the skies.
Best of all, this aircraft performed the functions of escorting combat formations, and in terms of tactical and technical characteristics it was not inferior to the German Messers.
Especially invulnerable was the Yak-9 at low altitudes. At the end of the war he remained in service, and the Soviet combat vehicle took an active part in the war on the Korean peninsula.
Messerschmitt Bf. 109. Germany
With Soviet documents, the best and fastest fighter in Nazi Germany was called the Me-109. The aircraft entered the service in the Luftwaffe in 1937, and after the war served for a short time in the armies of Spain, Finland and Yugoslavia.
At the time of the German attack on the USSR, it was the best aircraft that had already proved its advantage in the sky over Europe. Could reach speeds of up to 610 km / h, and in aerial combat at an altitude far surpassed analogues of other countries.
The first large losses of the Messerschmitt Bf.109 were suffered in the battle for Britain, and Soviet combat fighters fought with the Messers on equal terms.
Supermarine Spitfire. Great Britain
The British also succeeded in creating an effective fighter, and their “cruelty,” as the name of the combat vehicle is translated, proved its fighting efficiency and survivability in the sky over Europe.
He entered the service of the Royal Air Force in 1938, and actively participated in the Battle of Britain. Modified Supermarine Spitfire models began to be actively used not only in battles, but also for air reconnaissance.
The maximum speed that the British fighter could develop was 510 km / h, and the flow of altitude was a little less than 11 thousand m.
Mitsubishi A6M Reisen. Japan
But the Japanese company “Mitsubishi” managed to create the best carrier-based interceptor fighter known to the whole world by the name “Zero”.
The plane entered the Japanese army in 1940, and became the most massive fighter in the Pacific theater of operations. He especially proved himself during the attack on the American base Pearl Harbor, effectively destroying warships, thereby scaring American sailors.
It developed a speed of up to 565 km / h, and could be in the air for more than 8 hours. Takeoff run of only 80 m, which allowed its effective use in naval battles.
And finally, some interesting facts from the world of fighters ...
Birthday
The famous French pilot Roland Garros April 1, 1915 for the first time in history shot down an enemy aircraft from a machine gun mounted on his aircraft. This day can rightfully be considered the beginning of fighter aircraft.
American recognition
Russian aviation is experiencing a new round of development, creating new types of efficient and maneuverable fighters. So, at the beginning of 2018, the American Military Watch magazine recognized the Su-34 as the best strike fighter in the world.
The most popular
MiG-29 entered the service of the USSR army in 1984, and today it is the most massive fighter, which is in service in 26 countries of the world.
The most expensive
Today, the most expensive fighter in the world is the brainchild of American designers F-35, the cost of which exceeds $ 100 million.
The fastest
Super-jet and supersonic aircraft are capable of tremendous speed, and the Soviet MiG-35 Foxbat in history has the fastest fighter in the world. The maximum speed that this type of fighter developed was 3,490 km / h.
Finally
So we figured out whose fighters are the best in the world. Almost all of the presented models, as you may have noticed, went through baptism of fire in various hot spots on the planet. Modern aircraft manufacturing technologies make it possible to equip combat vehicles with innovative functions, and their tactical and technical characteristics amaze with their performance and versatility.
Article author: Valery Skiba