Q. Consider the following aircraft:
1. Rafael
2. MiG-29
3. Tejas MK-1
How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft?
(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None
Correct answer: (d) None
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
Fifth-generation fighters
Fifth-generation fighters are characterized by:
– Stealth technology
– Advanced avionics
– Highly integrated computer systems
– Networked data fusion from sensors and avionics
– Supercruise capability (sustained supersonic flight without afterburners)
Now, let’s examine each aircraft:
1. Rafale: This is a French twin-engine, multirole fighter aircraft. It’s considered a 4.5 generation fighter.
2. MiG-29: This is a Soviet-designed (now Russian) twin-engine fighter aircraft. It’s a fourth-generation fighter.
3. Tejas MK-1: This is an Indian single-engine, multirole light fighter. It’s considered a fourth-generation fighter.
None of these aircraft meet the criteria for fifth-generation fighters. They lack key features like all-aspect stealth and integrated avionics that define fifth-generation aircraft.
Therefore, the correct answer is : (d) None