An Attempt to Assess the Performance of Modern Combat Aircraft

Abstract

Recently, the so-called fifth generation (5th) aircraft have been introduced into the air forces, including the already implemented American F-22 and F-35, the Russian Su-57 and the Chinese-made J-20. Little is known about the latter, but the first squadron of Su-57 is being formed, which will ultimately replace the fourth generation (4th) Su-35 aircraft. Nowadays, in global political turmoil, the mentioned aircraft can pose a real threat to NATO defense systems. Therefore, the performance of Russian 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft has been evaluated. This is quite interesting because the aircraft comes from the same Sukhoi design bureau, and the experience of the predecessor was utilized to develop the new one. Thus, it was possible to assess the impact of modern technologies and design methods on the performance of the new generation combat aircraft. To evaluate the performance of the aircraft, the method based on the so-called Energy Maneuverability theory was used, based on the method cited, the Swiss company ALR Aerospace has developed a commercial program that is used in the process of modern aircraft design. The program was utilized in this study to determine the performance and assess the capabilities of the 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft. The essential aircraft’s data for the cited program were taken from relevant military portals, the aircraft manufacturer’s website, monographs on the design of combat aircraft, papers, and even confidential sources. However, some of the aerodynamic parameters were obtained by comparing the aircraft used by the Polish Air Forces (F-16 and MiG-29) with a similar mission profile or parameters and performance. The outcomes of work can be helpful, for example, at the stage of air threat assessment and simulations and anti-aircraft defense systems.