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

Sandboxx
1 Feb 202413:05

Summary

TLDRThis 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.

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Related Tags
F-35 StealthALQ-239 DecoyElectronic WarfareRadar JammingMissile DefenseAircraft TechnologyMilitary AviationCountermeasuresAir CombatSurvivability