Post World War II

During this period, piston-engined aircraft came to a close and jet fighter planes began to emerge.
Jet-assisted piston-engined aircraft was also studied and several prototypes were produced. Then
there were the rocket-powered fighters. Jet engine technology played an integral role in the
development of the fighter planes during this period, which help meet speed and height requirement
for various combats. Jet-powered fighters somehow altered the definition of combat planes and
revealed another phase of technological evolution.
Mid-1940s to mid-1950s
During this period, subsonic and transonic jet fighter designs were introduced. They were still
equipped with appropriate ammunitions and piston engines were highly developed. These fighters
were way faster than the previous creations. After the piston-engined fighters ended, piston-and-jetengined fighters were introduced. But even if they were advantageous during this time, they were still
far from exemplary. In this period, ejection seats, air brakes and all-moving tailplanes also became
popular. With the possibility of swept wings, a fighter could travel almost at the speed of sound, even
with all its heavy munitions.
Mid-1950s to early 1960s
During this period, technological advances became relevant especially in aerodynamics, aerospace
building materials and propulsions. Exploration on aeronautical innovations like the swept wings,
delta wings and the like was also made possible. The fighters during this time were generally shaped
by the progression of technology and the outcomes of different battles. On-board radar and
television and IR-guided air-to-air missiles have been part of the developments.
Early 1960s to 1970s
Fighters during this period were already equipped with analog avionics, enhanced aerodynamic
performance and new advanced technologies. The development of the fighters was also focused on
improving electro-optical-equipped missiles, radar systems and other avionics intended for both air
and ground attacks. Night-attack systems, supersonic designs, laser-guided bombs, precisionguided, automatic-fire weapons were also introduced during this period.
Early 1970s to mid-1990s

Multi-role configurations, sophisticated avionics and weapon systems were tremendously improved
during this period. It also introduced energy maneuverability and new innovative technologies like the
pulse-Doppler fire-control radars, active-radar homing, head-up displays and many more. The
fighters in this period were agile, multi-role dogfighters that could establish air superiority. Multi-mode
avionics and the stealth technology were also introduced.
Mid-1990s to Mid-2000s
The fighters were designed through a combination of the advancements in the fields of computers,
avionics and flight electronics. Advanced digital avionics and aerospace materials, highly integrated
systems and weapons enhanced the multi-role aircrafts. They are equipped with the latest weapon
technologies such as the beyond-visual-range AAMs, GPS-guided weapons, highly advanced
radars, and other significant advancements.
Mid-2000s to present
Cutting-edged fighter designs employ multi-functional AESA radars, infrared search and track
sensors, high-speed integrated circuit technology, integrated electronic warfare system technology,
integrated communications, navigation and identification avionics technology, fiber optics data
transmission, stealth technology and many other outstanding features.
Modern Advancements
Different countries are still trying to develop highly advanced aircrafts that would outmatch the
capabilities and power of the previous generations. While technology keeps on advancing, so as the
fighter planes. Now, fighter designs have already incorporated the recent advancement in
technology. Our aviators are now assisted by hi-tech gadgets on their flights. We have heard of the
unmanned combat planes or the drones, which are only the beginning of the many breakthroughs in
this age of advanced technology.

http://cs.stanford.edu/people/eroberts/courses/ww2/projects/jetairplanes/planes.html
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/topics/dogfight
http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/the-real-top-gun-32185/?no-ist

http://www.airspacemag.com/military-aviation/fighter-pilots-survival-guide180951411/
https://www.nae.edu/File.aspx?id=7351
http://www.ellejet.com/aircraft-history-the-evolution-of-fighter-jets.php
http://history.nasa.gov/SP-468/contents.htm
http://www.northernstar.com.au/news/a-closer-look-at-the-evolution-of-fighterplanes/2110245/