Why you can't shoot the F-35 down (even if you lock onto it)

Summary

This video discusses the advanced defensive capabilities of the F-35 fighter jet, focusing on its stealth, electronic warfare systems, and the AL-70 fiber optic decoy. The F-35 employs multiple layers of protection against radar-guided missiles, using jamming, spoofing, and decoy tactics. The AL-70 plays a crucial role in diverting enemy missiles, making the F-35 extremely difficult to shoot down. Additionally, the video explores how these features enhance the F-35's ability to conduct dangerous 'Wild Weasel' missions, suppressing enemy air defenses with reduced risk to the pilot.

Takeaways

• ✈️ The F-35 is recognized as one of the most survivable fighters due to its stealth and advanced electronic warfare capabilities.
• 💥 The F-35 has a secret weapon in the form of the AL-70 fiber-optic towed decoy, designed to counter radar-guided missiles.
• 📡 The AL-70 system provides three layers of protection: jamming, deflection, and seduction against radar-guided weapons.
• 🔧 The decoy can jam or spoof targeting systems by sending tailored signals that confuse enemy radars.
• 🎯 In case of a missile lock, the AL-70 transitions to deflection mode, targeting the missile's guidance system to send it off-course.
• 💣 If all else fails, the AL-70's seduction mode creates a larger radar return, making the decoy a more attractive target for the missile than the F-35 itself.
• 🚀 Unlike older aircraft that use chaff for missile defense, the F-35 relies on the AL-70 decoy for this job, though it still carries flares for infrared-guided missiles.
• 🛡️ The F-35's mission data files, radar, electronic warfare suite, and distributed aperture system combine to create multiple layers of protection against threats.
• 🎛️ The F-35’s sensors, including the AN/APG-81 radar and AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suite, enable the fighter to identify and counter threats with precise jamming or spoofing signals.
• 🔫 The F-35 is poised to be the most advanced 'Wild Weasel' aircraft, capable of taking out enemy air defenses with anti-radiation missiles while minimizing risks to the aircraft and pilot.

Q & A

What is one of the primary reasons the F-35 is considered highly survivable?

The F-35's stealth and advanced electronic warfare capabilities make it one of the most survivable fighters in the world.

What is the AL-70 fiber optic decoy, and how does it protect the F-35?

The AL-70 is a towed decoy system that uses fiber optics to connect with the F-35's electronic warfare suite, providing three layers of protection against radar-guided missiles: jamming, deflection, and seduction.

How does the F-35's decoy system begin its defense against radar-guided weapons?

Initially, the decoy system works as a jammer, sending signals tailored to the radar frequency of an enemy missile to interfere with its tracking ability.

What is 'spoofing' in the context of the F-35's defense mechanisms?

Spoofing refers to the act of deceiving an enemy radar system by sending signals that trick the radar into thinking the F-35 is in a different position, speed, or size than it actually is.

What happens if a radar-guided missile locks onto the F-35 despite the jamming and spoofing attempts?

If a missile locks on, the AL-70 decoy transitions to 'deflection mode,' sending tailored radio signals to confuse the missile's guidance system and make it miss its target.

What is 'seduction mode,' and how does it protect the F-35?

Seduction mode involves creating a larger radar signature that attracts the missile toward the decoy rather than the F-35. The decoy separates from the aircraft just before impact to ensure the explosion does not harm the F-35.

How does the F-35's electronic warfare suite contribute to its defense?

The F-35's electronic warfare suite, including systems like the AN/APG-81 radar and AN/ASQ-239 electronic warfare suite, continuously scans and identifies threats, allowing it to jam or spoof incoming attacks.

Why does the F-35 rely on decoys instead of traditional chaff for radar-guided missile defense?

The F-35 uses decoys like the AL-70 instead of chaff because decoys provide more sophisticated and specialized defense, offering precise jamming and spoofing tailored to enemy radar frequencies.

What is the 'Wild Weasel Mission,' and how does the F-35 excel in this role?

The Wild Weasel Mission involves the suppression or destruction of enemy air defenses. The F-35 excels in this mission by using its stealth, decoys, and advanced anti-radiation missiles to engage radar systems with reduced risk.

How does the F-35's distributed aperture system enhance its situational awareness?

The F-35's distributed aperture system, consisting of six infrared cameras around the aircraft, provides full 360-degree awareness, allowing it to detect missile launches and other threats in real-time.