Originally Posted by
William F. Owen
There is a problem that the USAF seems to want to ignore in the shape of passive radar and networked electro-optics.
Passive radar is here now and defeats stealth to a good enough degree to get a cheap IR seeker in the same space (Lock on long after launch). It is not even that expensive or complex. Factor in the strides being made in electro-optics and remote gun laying and F22 may well get shot down or badly damaged by an air bursting 155mm artillery round. Big UAVs are basically dead.
At the very best, such systems will force expensive aircraft to stay fast and high.
The future of airpower is actually up for grabs and the picture is not that full of roses!