3 ms·
Dogfighting is already obsolete. I think the implication / fallout is much more paradigm changing. Impact on order of dreadnought invalidating pre-dreadnought
by dirtyid 6y ago
Dogfighting is already obsolete.
I think the implication / fallout is much more paradigm changing. Impact on order of dreadnought invalidating pre-dreadnought fleets. Competent AI pilot -> autonomous vehicles with more extreme flight performance -> dramatically reduced anti-air capabilities. A UAV without meatbag limits / more fuel = an extremely performant missile that will be significantly more challenging to intercept to the point where anti-air might no longer be viable.
This tech gap = lesser adversaries with generation meatbag hardware get disproportionately stomped harder. But it's a capability reset among peer adversaries with pursuing similar technology, i.e. next gen UAV could make manned aircraft obsolete. Imagine scenario where two sides (US / CN) can have mutual air superiority because future UAVs can no longer be effectively challenged. If the only viable tactic is offense, then engagements shift to numbers games, which will favor whoever can field more in theatre which translates to reduction of viability of carrier based naval power projection. 50 years of US manned naval and aviation buildup and expertise could become obsolete the same way UK's massive pre-dreadnaught navy became obsolete, a technical reset that enabled Germany navy to catch up closer to parity via arms race.