Word: radars
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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...either more powerful or versatile than the simpler ones. But reformers like Sprey, Boyd and Rasor argue that in many cases the simpler weapons are actually more effective. The F-16 fighter jet was developed as a leaner sister to the F-15, which is loaded with high-powered radar and weapons guidance systems. Because the F-16 is smaller, less detectable and gives off less exhaust smoke, it is more capable of catching the enemy by surprise. It also has a sizable advantage in maneuvering during dogfights because of its quicker acceleration, better rolling ability and longer flight time...
...because of their age it is getting increasingly difficult to keep them ready for combat. But early data indicate that the B-1B, because of its complexity, also would face severe maintenance problems. The Air Force contends that the B-52 presents too broad a "cross section" for Soviet radar. Critics doubt that the B-1B design will fool Soviet radar either. Worse, they charge, the B-1B's own terrain-following radar, which it uses to navigate to the target, will send out what amounts to a beacon that enemy fighters and missiles can home...
...calculated at only 390 miles, about half the range of the A7. Either the Hornet would have to be refueled in flight or its carrier would have to sail closer to hostile shores than might be desirable. Test pilots have described the F/A-18's elaborate air-to-ground radar as "grossly inaccurate." Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul Thayer flew one himself to check out reports of serious problems; when he landed, the nose wheel failed to come down and he had to adopt emergency procedures. Some experts now believe that the very concept of such a multipurpose plane...
...visual range, roughly eleven miles. A heat-seeking missile, it speeds toward its target at twice the speed of sound, and homes in on the tailpipe. Its current version costs $59,000. The Sparrow is bigger (500 Ibs. to 190 lbs.), nearly twice as fast, and is guided by radar so that it can be fired at targets as far as 31 miles away. It costs...
...reason: most aerial duels are fought at less than the Sparrow's minimum effective range (which is secret). In a close-range dogfight, the Sparrow's great speed often causes it to zip right past an enemy plane taking evasive action before the missile's radar can zero in on the target...