ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to give the reader a broad understanding of the fast jet environment, which will set the scene for the human factors and performance limitations associated with flying the fast jets. The fighter aircraft role has evolved substantially over time, and often involves a multi-role scenario, where air-to-ground and attack activities are also part of the day-to-day life of a fighter pilot. The phrase ‘fighter generations’ typically provides a useful framework to understand the evolution of the fighter aircraft since the introduction of the jet engine. The aircraft is typically flown by either a single pilot or a two-man crew of pilot and weapons systems operator. However, air-to-air missiles have some common elements worth discussing, in order to give a sense to the reader of the sophisticated modern weapons technology available to the fast jet pilot. Air-to-air missiles can be thought of as consisting of three main elements: a guidance system, a warhead, and a propulsion system.
