Speaking of MALD, I thought that the perforated fins were for steering, but they are a solid plate (they do not move).
Does anyone know what they are for?
There are several things to take into consideration when talking about an active (or SAR) AAM vs an LO target.
1. The distance that the missile’s seeker can lock onto the target is significantly reduced vs a non-LO target. This means that the launching AC (or 3rd party targeting) will have to guide the AAM into a closer intercept before the AAM goes active. This gives the target LO fighter more time to evade, jam, or attack the launching AC in order to sever the guidance to the AAM.
2. The RCS of an LO target is not uniform but has distinct highs and lows. This will cause the missile’s seeker to gain & lose track as its aspect to the target changes. In other words, it will be difficult for the missile to maintain a solid track of the LO fighter. Without a solid track, determining target speed, vector and an intercept course is more difficult.
3. The F-22/35 still carries chaff & flares as a defensive measure vs missiles & AAA that finally do come within striking distance.
4. I have no doubt that the F-35 will get more advanced systems like active (360 AESA) jammers, towed decoys, etc as it progresses through it’s lifetime. It did not come with them in Blk3 when cost savings vs need vs development time were taken into account. There is already internal space in the F-35 reserved for jammers and if they wanted they could add permanent TDs by replacing the vertical stabilizers and put the TDs in the base as they do on the F-16s, house them in the wing pylons (in non LO mode), or put them in LO blisters that mount on the wing stations.
5. NCADE is designed to attack boost-phase TBMs so it’s maneuverability is in question against a fighter. However, it can definitely get high enough if launched into the face of an oncoming high-altitude target (Mig-31, HALE, etc).
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