4 ms·
Not guaranteed at all? The ceiling of an F-16 is lower. It's really not guaranteed that that would've worked. These missiles have limited range, and gaining alt
by CydeWeys 4y ago
Not guaranteed at all? The ceiling of an F-16 is lower. It's really not guaranteed that that would've worked. These missiles have limited range, and gaining altitude is costliest. It's entirely possible that a Sidewinder would not have worked from an F-16, requiring the use of a longer range, more expensive missile, and even that might not have worked as a balloon is a strange target and they picked this specific weapon system and platform because they believed it to have a high chance of success.
Why wouldn't you use your weapon system that has the highest probability of working on the first shot? The entire world was watching.
- moose_man 4y agoYes the entire world is watching. That's what I mean by signaling.
- throwbadubadu 4y agoAnd most of it is amazed how much sensation is made of this (: Brazen invasion, I'll wonder if they (US or China) will release honest details, but I cannot imagine much real purpose there and for now only assume incapability/incompetence.
- moose_man 4y agoI mean I'm not trying to say what effect it had, but high altitude balloons have been downed by multiple countries without F-22s firing sidewinders. I think the choice of F-22 was deliberate because of the visibility. To send a signal.