Quote:
Originally Posted by SebC
Obviously stealth would greatly increase the survivability of our air force should we be attacked (from what I gather), but would they be able to intercept an opponent who also has stealth?
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The F-35 ANAPG-81 AESA is considered one of the best airborne radar systems available, but Stealth is stealth.
What makes this radar really excellent though is it is stealthy itself meaning that it is difficult for other planes radar detection systems to pick up and warn, and also its one of the toughest radar systems to jam.
This gives advantage over most radar systems out there that are detectable and can be jammed.
Current doctrine with most airforces is to leave their radar off and depend on AWACs to detect enemy planes and then turn on your radar after that which will not only alert your enemy but tell the enemy where you are.
With the radar system on the F-35 you can combine your radar picture with other aircraft radar pictures and the AWACS through the data link system giving every pilot situational awareness that lesser planes don't have. Also because the F-35 radar is stealthy it won't give away your planes position when you use it unless the other planes get lucky enough to pick up the radar system.