Evolution of the fighter plane from the great war to modern day and the social, cultural and economic impact on society and technology throughout it's history during war and peace times including advantages and disadvantages for commercial use

the first successful airplane

Dec 17, 1903

the Wright brothers invent the first successful airplane https://www.britannica.com/technology/military-aircraft

first military plane developed

Jun 1, 1909

the wright brothers were contacted by the us military to design a plane for military use https://www.britannica.com/technology/military-aircraft

first weaponized airplanes

Jan 1, 1910

Germans installed machines. Americans made it drop bombs. Europeans shot torpedoes from it.
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First airplanes used in combat during italio-Turkish war

Oct 23, 1911

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world war 1 begins and the first aircraft were used for reconnicanse

Jul 28, 1914

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first fighters used to stop reconnaissance

Sep 30, 1915

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engine arms race begins

Sep 30, 1915

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all metal monoplanes become the norm

Jan 30, 1939

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first jet plane flown in germany

Aug 27, 1939

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world war 2 begins

Sep 3, 1939

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machinguns are replaced with cannons to use against heavily armored planes

Sep 30, 1942

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american gloster meteor was the first jet plane to be used in the war

Jul 27, 1944

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firs jet plane breaks sound barrier

Oct 14, 1947

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generation 2 fighters are marked by the swept back wings, improved radar and targeting system, and radar guided missiles

Sep 30, 1948

generation 3 fighters are marked by level supersonic flight and powerful afterburners

Sep 30, 1950

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generation 4 aircraft are marked by increased speeds of up to mach 2, higher maneuverability and better radar systems. many were built without guns due to the incorporation of air to air missiles

Sep 30, 1960

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multimission fighters developed due to the realization that speed is not as imporatnt as sustained maneuvering energy, sensor capabilities, mixed ordnance of guns and missiles, range, takeoff and landing qualities, multimission capability, and cost.

Sep 30, 1970

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generation 5 aircraft were built with multiple geometry wings that can adjust mid flight and the ability to exceed mach 2

Sep 30, 1980

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first stealth planes used

Sep 30, 1989

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f22 raptor is the first generation 6 fighter capable of super-cruise and thrust vectoring

Sep 30, 1997

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