The FF35's stated top speed is 71 miles an hour, or 114 kilometres an hour. In the worked example, an aircraft first seen 6 kilometres away reaches the ship in about three minutes. A crew already at its 3-inch gun could fire roughly 30 rounds during that interval. Earlier detection provides time to prepare before the attacker enters gun range. As attack speeds increase, defenders need longer detection and engagement ranges to retain time for an interception. Attackers also seek greater reach so they can release weapons while remaining farther from the defending force.
Notable Point · 33:44-36:37
How aircraft speed consumes the defender's firing time
An FF35 approaching at 114 kilometres an hour illustrates why faster aircraft force defenders to detect and engage at longer range.