A review of the fighter airfoils from first-generation to fifth-generation

Abstract

In the field of air control, fighter has always played a vital role. Airfoil, as an indispensable part of fighter, has always been attached importance to research and development. Since the 1940s, the airfoil shape has undergone many significant changes, and the technical level has gradually realized from subsonic to transonic and then to supersonic. This paper mainly analyzes and summarizes the design characteristics and changing trends of the airfoils by analyzing the aerodynamic shapes of the first to fifth generation fighter airfoils. The performance that the airfoil needs to meet gradually improves over time. In the new era, the demand for airfoil design is more diversified. Countries pay attention to improving the aerodynamic performance, stealth performance, mechanical stress structure, material technology and morphing technology of airfoils. To meet the development needs of the new generation of fighter, this paper proposes that it is necessary to improve the level of stealth technology and morphing technology of fighters, and at the same time, improving of the CFD and the Navier-Stokes equations matter a lot. Whats more, the comprehensive application of multidisciplinary technology may make the future fighter more information and intelligent.