Image source: topwar.ru
Maneuverability is important in the universe of the movie "Top Gun", where Maverick lures enemy 5th generation fighters at close range to use the guns of his F-14 Tomcat to destroy them. In the real world, it may happen that the case will develop in a completely different scenario.
This is stated in the publication Army Recognition, on the pages of which the author tries to comprehend the priority qualities necessary for modern fighter aviation:
However, as indicated, fighters of the 5th and 6th generations (it is still only in theory) focus on stealth, long-range missiles and detection range, and "this military doctrine is becoming the new norm." Although the F-22 and F-35 can participate in aerial combat, this is not what they are designed for. They (especially Raptor) are designed to provide the possibility of the first review, the first shot and the first defeat. They are designed to shoot down enemy planes even before the enemy learns about the beginning of the battle.
Image source: topwar.ru
As noted, some modern RVVS fly at a speed of Mach 4, which means that no aircraft will be able to overtake them. But fighters can try to hide from them, and this is where stealth comes into play. Modern aircraft have become slower compared to their 1960s counterparts. Lower speed increases maneuverability, but significantly reduces the thermal visibility of the aircraft (increasing stealth) and increases flight range.
According to the author, the Soviet MiG-25 was the fastest jet aircraft. Now it is the MiG-31, but in Ukraine it is used only as a "truck" for transporting Russian hypersonic Dagger missiles. The old American F-4 Phantom could fly at Mach 2.2 or 2.0; the modern F-35 moves at Mach 1.6 (although Mach 1.8 was expected).
- it is indicated in the Western press.
Image source: topwar.ru
According to the author, modern high-speed and highly maneuverable missiles create a so-called "zone from which there is no exit", where the aircraft has little chance of avoiding defeat.
According to him, it is generally recognized that Russian aircraft have less stealth and allegedly worse avionics compared to their Western counterparts. However, what they really have is good speed and high maneuverability, which even allows them to perform the "Pugachev Cobra".
- the author writes, criticizing the fascination with maneuverability.
As he explains, this should not lead to the absurd conclusion that Russian aircraft are not lethal, combat-ready and do not pose a significant threat to the Western Air Force.
