The F-35B illustrates the shift in air-to-air combat towards networked detection and missile engagement. The crewed aircraft or a wider sensor network finds the opponent, after which the missile closes and pulls the high-G manoeuvres once associated with a fighter's dogfight. In this conceptual model, the missile is a single-use uncrewed aircraft, separate from the crewed launch platform and responsible for the terminal attack. Modern carrier fighters are therefore judged through sensors, data links, and weapons as a system rather than by turning performance alone.
Notable Point · 29:54-31:11
Networked missiles reshape carrier air combat
Networked sensors locate an opponent before a missile performs the most demanding terminal manoeuvres, changing what matters in carrier air combat.