Some fighter aircraft trends

Abstract

Some basic trends in fighter aircraft are traced from the post World War II era. Beginning with the first operational jet fighter, the P-80, the characteristics of subsequent fighter aircraft are examined in terms of performance, mission capability, effectiveness, and cost. Characteristics presented include such items as power loading, wing loading, maximum speed, rate of climb, turn rate, weight and weight distribution, cost and cost distribution. In some cases, the characteristics of U.S.S.R. aircraft are included for comparison. The trends indicate some of the rationale for certain fighter designs and indicate some likely characteristics to be sought in future fighter aircraft designs.