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Do we really still believe that fewer, more expensive and complex planes is the best path forward?
by tqi 2y ago
Do we really still believe that fewer, more expensive and complex planes is the best path forward?
- ceejayoz 2y agoThey're likely to remain useful in some contexts for quite some time. A few really good planes and a lot of low-end drones is probably what we'll have in a few decades.
- nradov 2y agoIn particular the F-47 is expected to act as a forward control node for drones. We're probably decades away from having AI software that can autonomously execute any type of complex mission. So that means there's a critical need for a crewed aircraft survivable enough to get close to the target, even if it doesn't have to directly employ weapons itself.
- ironyman 2y agoThe USAF requires a very high-end fighter with a range of several thousand nautical miles (or at least double that of the F-22) in order to operate within the area denial bubble of China, which they project is only going to get more and more capable. https://www.twz.com/air/air-force-predicts-enemy-anti-air-missiles-with-1000-mile-range-by-2050 https://www.twz.com/air/air-force-predicts-enemy-anti-air-mi...
- tqi 2y agoThats interesting - am I understanding correctly that the reasoning is that forward air bases will become more vulnerable, so we need to be able to operate from domestic bases?