Thrust-to-weight ratio Supermaneuverability

a key feature of supermaneuvering fighters high thrust-to-weight ratio; is, comparison of force produced engines aircraft s weight, force of gravity on aircraft. desirable in aerobatic aircraft, high-thrust-to-weight ratio allows aircraft recover velocity after high-g maneuver. in particular, thrust-to-weight ratio greater 1:1 critical threshold, allows aircraft maintain , gain velocity in nose-up attitude; such climb based on sheer engine power, without lift provided wings counter gravity, , has become crucial aerobatic maneuvers in vertical (which in turn essential air combat).

high thrust-to-weight essential supermaneuvering fighters because not avoids many situations in aircraft can stall (such during vertical climbing maneuvers), when aircraft stall, high thrust-to-weight ratio allows pilot sharply increase forward speed aircraft pitches nose-down; reduces angle nose must pitch down in order meet velocity vector, recovering more stall. allows stalls controlled; pilot intentionally stall aircraft hard maneuver, recover high engine power.

beginning in late fourth-generation , through generation 4.5 of aircraft development, advances in engine efficiency , power enabled many fighters approach , exceed thrust-to-weight ratios of 1:1. current , planned fifth-generation fighters exceed threshold.