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The new AIM-9X missile has an imaging sensor which I’m guessing is more sensitive. It works on front of aircraft and missiles. Either it is seeing the reflected
by ianburrell 4y ago
The new AIM-9X missile has an imaging sensor which I’m guessing is more sensitive. It works on front of aircraft and missiles. Either it is seeing the reflected light or the object is warmer than space.
The F-22 would be going close to Mach 1 while balloon/object is stationary. The balloon was higher altitude which is harder shot and out of range. Very different from dogfighting the gun is meant for. I don’t think any fighters have gun targeting system since the gun is really a backup.
- WalterBright 4y agoThat sounds like an expensive missile. An enemy could deplete our supply of them just by sending a phalanx of cheap balloons over.
- ianburrell 4y agoSidewinder costs $400k. US has 10,000 of them in stock. I have speculated if rockets could be used. Unguided might be hard to aim. Laser guided might not be any better. It would require different aircraft that might be able to get high enough.
- deleted 4y ago[deleted]