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Most modern fighters ( even the F111C ) have weapons systems that could deliver in ( stand off mode ) .... fire off an Exocet from 240klms away from the target and then go off in another direction while the the missile would continue on to the ' enemy target ' ...,hence the term ' Stand Off Mode '
You don't even have to ' visually ' see the target ... the Weapon System and Radar knows it there....
The FA18 weapons delivery system ( computer controlled ) would ' prioritize ' which enemy is the greatest threat .... fire of the missile and then look and assign the ' best ' weapon to use ... depending on the distance of the next ' threatening ' target. ..... like you wouldn't ' waste ' an Exocet on a close target ... more likely a 'SideWinder ' or use of the cannon.
I was never in favour of a 'single ' engine Fighter ... as some have said... flame out and if your too low ... you can kiss it all goodby.... let alone having engine damage at altitude ... punch out time as Lewis so aptly described it.
But ...we don't make the decisions on what to buy .... at least the FA18 was a good purchase eg: 2 engines ... at least you have a chance of getting home.
I'm sure the F35 is a very capable aircraft, both within its ' flight envelope ' and Weapons System ... but all you've got is a ' promise and a prayer ' if engine problems arise.....there's no way out ... but ' down '.......only MHO
Flash ( ex RAAF )
Last edited by FlashDrive; 15-04-2018 at 10:02 PM.
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