How Fighter Planes Evolved

Not too long ago battles were fought under clear skies and the only threat from the air was from flying arrows. In the 21st-century fighter planes are now the first, and in some cases, the only form of attack. The technology has come a long way in a short period of time.

The World Wars

The first and second world wars brought huge advancements in their development. For World War I, they were rarely used with the likes of machine guns being placed on bi-planes. As World War II would begin a few decades later, static radial engines were introduced, which allowed the planes to be heavier and better equipped.

Aerial battles happened frequently from 1939-1945, with all sides having vastly superior aircraft to what had been seen before. Piston engines further improved the power and speed, and agility vastly improved too. New technologies such as radar were also introduced.

The Jet Engine

Before the end of WWII, jet engines were introduced with the basic concept still being used today. This not only changed the speed of the planes but also vastly increased the distances they can cover and also the heights they can reach. They were still a far cry from the machines we see currently but the technology developed significantly from the start of World War I to the end of World War II.

Following both world wars, jet technology continued to improve throughout the late 40s and 50s. Other technology improved in the form of air brakes and ejection seats. With swept wings and high-mobility tailplanes, fighter planes got ever-closer to supersonic speed.

Increase In Technology

With the help of an electronic motor parts manufacturer such as ARC Systems, fighter planes had electric components that allowed them to have more control over the plane than ever. Guided missiles and radar were more commonly used and there was a huge step forward in aerodynamics.

The leap to supersonic speed was achieved and fighter jets moved from a supporting role to the spearhead of an attack. Nighttime attacks were now possible with laser-guided bombs and weapons that would fire automatically. 

The Move To Modern Day

As with the Formula 1 car, subtle changes continued to be made that slowly but surely improved planes to the incredible weapons we see today. Sophisticated electronics and weapons systems became plentiful.

Head-up displays and stealth technology advanced. Fighter planes had also gone from being the sluggish beasts that they were, to nimble and agile modes of transport.  Radar became highly advanced along with other weapons technology such as GPS-guided missiles.

Fighter Planes Today

The amount of electronics that we see on modern machines is simply breathtaking. Infrared, sensors, communications, navigation, and transmission all have an outstanding level of capability. The electrical technology of planes has come so far that it’s hard to think of what could come next.

No one at the start of World War I would have imagined the type of planes we have today. It makes you wonder what the technology of the plane will be in another 100 years. And you can expect a lot more in air defense technologies and fighter planes, as well as with land formations and firearms. For information on guns, and to purchase firearms & tactical equipment, contact Palmetto State Armory today.