3 ms·
Current plans are for fighters to be directed by AWACs. But the larger the missile, the higher it has to fly. It's difficult on an airframe to fly low and fast,
by greedo 9y ago
Current plans are for fighters to be directed by AWACs. But the larger the missile, the higher it has to fly. It's difficult on an airframe to fly low and fast, so the detection range will increase the higher the altitude.
- JoeAltmaier 9y agoOften height is for fuel efficiency? Thinner air up there. With an atomic engine, that's moot.
- greedo 9y agoHigher altitude to avoid CFIT (controlled flight into terrain). The faster you fly, the less reaction time you have. So instead of being able to hug the ground at say 100ft AGL, you have to bump up to 1000ft.