What is unstable aircraft?
Unstable aircraft Modern military aircraft, particularly low observable (“stealth”) designs, often exhibit instability as a result of their shape. However, the flat facets of the design reduce its stability to the point where a computerized fly-by-wire system was required to allow safe operation.
What is aircraft turning radius?
Definition. The horizontal distance that an aircraft uses to turn is referred to as the radius of turn. It varies as a function of bank angle and the square of the airspeed.
Is a high sustained turn rate useful in combat?
A high sustained turn rate is useful in combat. Let’s think about two of the most agile fighters in the world, the F-22 and the thrust vectoring version of the Su-35. (The Su-35 is available with or without thrust vectoring, depending upon the purchaser’s budget).
What is the instantaneous turn rate of the F-22 and Su-35?
Both the F-22 and Su-35 are close to 28 degrees per second at Mach 1 and 40,000 feet altitude. This is incredible. An F-15 has 18 degrees per second under those same conditions and that was exceptional when the F-15 was new. So summing up, the instantaneous turn rate is the maximum pitch-up rate at any cost to speed and altitude.
What is the advantage and disadvantage of a fighter pilot?
The fighter pilot with the most advantageous position is usually above or behind the opponent, and is commonly called the attacker. Conversely, the pilot in the disadvantageous position is usually either below or ahead of the opponent, and is referred to as the defender.
What is the best way to defend a fighter aircraft?
Situational awareness is often taught as the best tactical defense, removing the possibility of an attacker getting or remaining behind the pilot; even with speed a fighter is open to attack from the rear. Basic fighter maneuvers (BFM) are actions that a fighter aircraft makes during air combat maneuvering, historically known as dogfighting.