Image Source: topwar.ru
B-21 Raider
In modern air battles, the advantage is not gained by the fastest and most maneuverable aircraft, but by larger and less noticeable machines that use network information to hit the enemy with long-range missiles. In this regard, it is necessary to increase the size of fighters, turning them into air arsenals.
This opinion is expressed on the pages of the American edition of Defense News.:
As indicated, China is moving in this direction, having created such models as the J-36, J-50, and Europe as part of the development of the multinational GCAP machine. The United States, being outside this trend, may lose technologically.:
As noted, from the first days of the appearance of air combat, the principle of "the first to see, the first to shoot" brought victory. Previously, the maneuverability and speed of the aircraft were important to achieve these goals, but now this is not the case. The increased detection range and missile range have changed this rule. Today, aircraft survivability depends on reduced visibility, while speed and maneuverability are still important, but now these qualities are inherent in weapons rather than aircraft.
- the author believes.
Image source: topwar.ru
J-36
Over the past 33 years, fighter jets [probably as part of training battles] have shot down every AIM-120 missile fired with an average probability of 0.46. However, these "duels" took place in a favorable electronic environment. In the event of a confrontation with the PLA Air Force, American aircraft will encounter advanced electronic warfare systems, which will further reduce the likelihood of hitting the target with each missile and increase the number of weapons needed to defeat it.
- it is said in the US press.
As the author explains, there are three traditional ways to solve this problem: increase the number of fighters, increase the number of missiles per fighter, and increase the number of fighter sorties. But in any case, there will still be limitations on flight range and payload inherent in small aircraft, which will also have to travel huge distances in the Pacific Theater.
- the author believes, urging to get ahead of the PRC.
In his opinion, China and a number of other countries have already come to a similar conclusion and are developing aircraft that embody a new approach to fighter jets.:
