UPSC Prelims 2024 · GS Paper I
Question 35: Science and Technology
Consider the following aircraft :
- 1.Rafael
- 2.MiG-29
- 3.Tejas MK-1
How many of the above are considered fifth generation fighter aircraft ?
AnswerUPSC’s answer is (d).
None of the three is a fifth generation fighter. The Rafale is a 4.5 generation multirole fighter, the MiG-29 is a fourth generation fighter, and the Tejas Mk-1 is a fourth generation class light combat aircraft. Fifth generation fighters combine stealth, supercruise and advanced sensor fusion, like the F-22, the F-35 and the Su-57. India's own fifth generation project is the AMCA, still under development.
- 1. The Rafale is a 4.5 generation fighter.
- 2. The MiG-29 is a fourth generation fighter.
- 3. The Tejas Mk-1 is a fourth generation class light combat aircraft.
How you could have got this
No shortcut here: in a “how many” question, ruling out options doesn’t help. Every statement has to be judged.
Which options go is worked out from UPSC’s key and the options, not by a model.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Wrong: none of the three is a fifth generation fighter.
- (b) Wrong: none of the three is a fifth generation fighter.
- (c) Wrong: none of the three is fifth generation.
- (d) Right: Rafale, MiG-29 and Tejas Mk-1 are all earlier generation aircraft.
Answer: UPSC’s key. Explanation: written by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.
Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, General Studies Paper I, Series A. The paper on upsc.gov.in.