Designed for the Kill : The Jet Fighter - Development and Experience - Hardcover

Mark Spick (author)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1853101214 ISBN 13: 9781853101212

Publisher: Naval Institute Press, 1995

Synopsis

With few exceptions, fighters designed during the 'fifties and 'sixties fell into one of two categories. These were the interceptor, intended to counter the nuclear armed bomber penetrating at high speed and altitude, and the tactical fighter to deliver tactical nuclear weapons on the modern battlefield. The former were designed for the top right-hand corner of the performance envelope, with a high rate of climb to reach the bomber's altitude quickly; very high speed in order to intercept an intruder as far out as possible; and homing missiles with a high percentage probability of killing the target at stand off ranges with a single shot. The latter had to be fast at lower levels in order to survive the counter-air defences of the day; and long-legged in order to achieve a reasonable operational range.
For both these categories, manoeuvre combat between fighters was hardly considered. Long range radars and 'magic' missiles would render manoeuvre unnecessary. Even guns were widely considered to be unnecessary. Then came a spate of limited wars, and to the surprise of many, fighters were once more engaging in close combat. It rapidly became obvious that close combat was not only possible but essential, and from this moment, the accent changed. The next generation of interceptors and air superiority fighters were designed for the kill.

About this title

Synopsis

Traces the development of the jet fighter from around 1970 to the present day in the light of what was learned from combat situations in the Middle East and Vietnam. The author examines the prevailing trends in fighter development in the US, such as the preference for larger, more technically capable and therefore more expensive aircraft. The F-14 and F-15 are examined in this respect. The controversy about the superiority about such technologically advanced aircraft over more lightweight fighters such as the F-16 is highlighted. The problems in the development of European fighters such as the Sea Harrier, Tornado F-3 and Mirage 2000 are examined, along with their solution. Finally, the author provides an overview of the situation in the '90s and looks at the advances made in avionics and weaponry and their effect on tactical use.

Edition details

• Publisher: Naval Institute Press
• Publication date: 1995
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1853101214
• ISBN 13: 9781853101212
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 277