Delete comment from: Elements Of Power
@Angus McThag
Even though Sprey has put out a lot of junk, I do have to agree that his basic premise in here (http://pogoarchives.org/labyrinth/09/08.pdf) that surprise, and the opportunity to exploit it, is the most important factor in killing the other guy in the sky. Hence the focus on LPI radar, IRST systems, stealth and other technologies that try to give the first strike to our guys.
Even without surprise, maneuverability wasn't always needed. To take an example from WWII, Hellcats and Corsairs completely dominated the A6M Zero, despite the fact that they were much less agile. Hit-and-run tactics won the day over the skies of the Pacific. In late 1941, the Spit Mk V was being marauded by the FW-190A even though the Mk V had a much better turning circle. The 190 was simply faster and could utilize hit-and-run tactics so the Brits could never get close. (If it hadn't been for cooling problems on the BMW 801, the 190 would have been unmatched until mid 1942 when the Spitfire Mk IX was introduced.)
Aug 14, 2015, 7:24:31 AM
Posted to “Fighter Aircraft” Design: Driven by Operational Requirements