Thrust-vectoring makes impossible maneuvers possible. The huge, powerful jets can perform extremely tight turns that ...

Thrust vectoring—essentially redirecting the plane’s exhaust flow—allows modern fighters to quickly change direction, giving them an edge in close combat.

Historically, the thrust-to-weight ratio concept has served as a benchmark for the evolution of fighter jets. An aircraft’s thrust-to-weight ratio is a statistic that is often thrown around, but one ...

A model of the Safran M88 engine that powers the Dassault Rafale displayed at the Paris Air Show 2025. (Janes/Sam Wise) Safran Aircraft Engines is developing a higher-thrust version of the Safran M88 ...