Originally Posted by
Just This Once...
Ignoring the stealth bit but it was quite an exaggeration to suggest that the F-35 with (in the future) 4 x AIM-120 was ever going to out perform a Typhoon with say 2 x AIM-132 and 4 x AIM-120. Even if you added more fuel and a couple more missiles it would leave an F-35 in the dust.
FWIW, I think that folding in the stealth bit was the point that holds that whole assertion together. Why do you think ignoring stealth is a relevant reply to that?
The first rule of all air combat is to see the opponent first.
General Adolf Galland, Luftwaffe.
This makes sense: see him first and begin to dictate the terms of the engagement? Seeing has become a multi sensor activity, which includes many sensors as well as the Mk I Mod 0 eyeball." The whole "stealth" sales point supports seeing first ...
At the esoteric level, this is the principle of war called "Initiative" but on the more practical level it's the first step (Observe) in Boyd's infamous OODA loop. You get inside of his decision cycle by starting the engagement before he sees you with any sensor.
(Long ago memory of a picture in a squadron office ... what two MiG 21's looked like from a mile away, head on ... two little black dots on the picture ... )
How stealthy is stealth? Well, there's a can of worms to open ...
What if both sides are "stealthy" eh?
How stealthy is your stealth, today?
More cans, more worms, and now we get to some very interesting problems in getting the drop on one's opponents ... does that mean stealth is moot,
or just another factor or measure of effectiveness?
The rest of the Galland quote ....
Like the hunter who stalks his prey and maneuvers himself unnoticed into the most favourable position for the kill, the fighter in the opening of a dogfight must detect the opponent as early as possible in order to attain a superior position for the attack.
This remains true if the fight begins BVR.
See also:
One of the secrets of air fighting was to see the other man first.
— Air Vice-Marshal J. E. 'Johnnie' Johnson, RAF.