What We Don't Know About American Fighter Jet Performance and Electronics

Despite the extensive public and classified information available, there are still many unknowns regarding the performance and capabilities of American fighter jets. This uncertainty extends beyond performance metrics to the intricacies of their avionics and hardware. Here, we explore some of the areas where knowledge remains limited.

True Maximum Speeds of American Fighter Jets

The exact top speeds of American fighter jets like the F-35 and F-22 continue to elude public knowledge. For the F-22, its capabilities are often described in terms of what is referred to as 'mach 2 class.' While this implies speeds beyond Mach 1, the specific range is not officially known, with estimates ranging from Mach 1.8 to Mach 2.4. However, it is widely acknowledged that the F-22 can exceed Mach 2 in practice, though the limitations of its design and systems prevent it from reaching this speed at its absolute maximum potential.

Regarding the F-35, official specifications indicate its design requirement speed is Mach 1.6. This speed is achievable for all models, but the F-35A is thought to have the potential to surpass this number, possibly reaching higher speeds. The F-35C model, being significantly heavier and having more drag, shares the same engine as the F-35A, but the Data-Scrambling Inlets (DSI) are believed to limit the aircraft's top speed. Therefore, while the F-35 could theoretically overcome the drag associated with Mach 2 speeds, reaching such a high speed is not a practical possibility.

Classification and Restricted Knowledge on Fighter Electronics

Much of the information surrounding the electronics of American fighter planes is classified, making it difficult to gain a comprehensive understanding from publicly available sources. This lack of knowledge extends to virtually all American fighter jets, leaving many aspects of their avionics and electronics under wraps.

The limitations of classification are not limited to just the F-35 and F-22. Even the F-16, a widely used fighter jet by many nations, has areas of its technology that remain unknown to the general public. This classified information includes not only cutting-edge technologies but also the overall architecture of the avionics and communication systems.

Other Unknowns in American Fighter Jets

In addition to performance and electronics, there are other significant unknowns regarding American fighter jets, including:

Design Compromises: Every fighter jet must balance various design considerations, such as payload, range, stealth, and combat agility. The design compromises inherent in these trade-offs remain largely unknown to non-operators. For example, the reliability and flexibility of the F-22's avionics are not fully understood by operators outside the USAF. National Security Implications: Locked improvements in technology and systems within the USAF may offer unique advantages in combat situations. However, these advancements also pose challenges for other nations, such as India, where the potential weaknesses of the F-22 and F-35 could be exploited by adversaries like Pakistan. Logistical and Supply Chain Concerns: While the F-35 is praised for its reliability, there are still uncertainties regarding the long-term sustainability of its supply chain. If geopolitical tensions escalate, the ability to secure vital spares and replacement parts could be compromised, leaving deployed jets potentially grounded.

These unknowns highlight the complex and dynamic nature of modern fighter jet technology. While significant progress has been made, the continued secrecy and limitations of classification make it challenging to fully assess the capabilities and vulnerabilities of these sophisticated aircraft.

Conclusion

The detailed and technical knowledge of American fighter jets, particularly the latest models like the F-35 and F-22, remains largely unavailable to the public. This lack of transparency is not just limited to individual systems or performance metrics but encompasses a broader range of technical and operational aspects. As such, while these jets are renowned for their advanced capabilities, the full extent of their potential remains shrouded in mystery and classified information.